SOC 53-7041
Hoist and Winch Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ48/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ2,480
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$52K
$34K โ $116K
Projected Growth
๐-1.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Hoist and Winch Operators face a risk score of 48/100 โ 4 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $52K ($6K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 48/100, Hoist and Winch Operators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 2,480 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in emergency situation response and quick decision-making and navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Hoist and Winch Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
AI route optimization reducing dispatcher roles
AI traffic management and fleet coordination
Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
Manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks.
Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.
Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
๐ป Technology Skills
Spreadsheet software
Word processing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Public Safety and Security
Transportation
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 76% |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 29 | $64K | 83% |
| Air Transportation Workers | 31 | $107K | 79% |