Hoist and Winch Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Hoist and Winch Operators Make?
Hoist and Winch Operators earn a median annual salary of $52,310 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $33,910 at the 10th percentile to $116,120 at the 90th percentile — a range of $82,210. The highest-paying state is Illinois at $116,120.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,910 |
| 25th percentile | $39,220 |
| Median (50th) | $52,310 |
| 75th percentile | $90,200 |
| 90th percentile | $116,120 |
Hoist and Winch Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Illinoistop | $116,120 |
| Hawaii | $100,940 |
| Nevada | $90,120 |
| Maryland | $87,760 |
| Wyoming | $73,840 |
| West Virginia | $65,930 |
| Minnesota | $65,680 |
| Massachusetts | $61,720 |
| Alabama | $59,220 |
| New York | $58,980 |
| Oregon | $55,710 |
| Idaho | $50,530 |
| Alaska | $48,930 |
| Washington | $47,680 |
| Missouri | $46,680 |
| Virginia | $44,310 |
| Tennessee | $42,000 |
| Florida | $38,910 |
| Indiana | $38,370 |
| Wisconsin | $37,610 |
| Georgia | $37,590 |
| Ohio | $37,300 |
| Texas | $36,420 |
| South Carolina | $35,970 |
| Michigan | $34,460 |
| Mississippi | $22,150 |
| Kentucky | $17,330 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Hoist and Winch Operators
Hoist and Winch Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$33,910 – $39,220 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$52,310 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$90,200 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $116,120+ |
How to Earn More as a Hoist and Winch Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Hoist and Winch Operators in Illinois earn $116,120 — $63,810 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($90,200) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Hoist and Winch Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hoist and Winch Operatorthis career | $52,310 |
| Construction Laborer | $46,730 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
| Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | $52,550 |
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SOC: 53-7041.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.