As of June 2026, Hoist and Winch Operators has an AI-exposure score of 43/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Hoist and Winch Operators

43/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 17% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$56,450. About 300 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Transportation roles

Hoist and Winch Operators (you)
43
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Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable

No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (100%).

Augmentable
  • Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
  • Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
  • Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
  • Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
  • Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly.
  • Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools.
  • Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
  • 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.
  • Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.
  • Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
  • Tend auxiliary equipment, such as jacks, slings, cables, or stop blocks, to facilitate moving items or materials for further processing.
  • Climb ladders to position and set up vehicle-mounted derricks.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (100%).

Safer adjacent roles

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Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
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Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$40,240
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Pile Driver Operators
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$73,300
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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.