Hoist and Winch Operators Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, hoist and winch operators earn $47,680 at the median — $22.92 an hour. The range runs from $47K at the entry level to $98K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $42,905 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 72.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $48K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
About hoist and winch operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level hoist and winch operators (10th percentile) start around $47K. Mid-career wages sit at $48K.Top earners bring in $98K or more - a $50K spread from bottom to top.
Hoist and Winch Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $116K | +122% | 310 |
| Hawaii | $101K | +93% | 110 |
| Nevada | $90K | +72% | 30 |
| Maryland | $88K | +68% | 160 |
| Wyoming | $74K | +41% | 40 |
| West Virginia | $66K | +26% | 60 |
| Minnesota | $66K | +26% | 70 |
| Massachusetts | $62K | +18% | N/A |
| Alabama | $59K | +13% | 50 |
| New York | $59K | +13% | N/A |
| Oregon | $56K | +6% | 80 |
| Idaho | $51K | -3% | 50 |
| Alaska | $49K | -6% | 30 |
| Washington | $48K | -9% | 190 |
| Missouri | $47K | -11% | N/A |
Track hoist and winch operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hoist and winch operators make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $47,680 a year - that works out to about $22.92 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $47,150, and experienced hoist and winch operators can clear $97,500. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $48K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,363/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 74.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a hoist and winch operators salary go in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hoist and winch operators salary is worth about $42,905 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hoist and winch operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.