Logging equipment operators: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Logging equipment operators use tree harvesters to fell trees, shear off tree limbs, and cut trees into desired lengths. They drive tractors and operate self-propelled machines called skidders or forwarders, which drag or otherwise transport logs to a loading area.
- Education Required
- A high school diploma is enough for most logging worker jobs. Some vocational or technical schools and community colleges offer associates degrees or certificates in forest technology. This additional education may help workers get a job. Programs may include field trips to observe or participate in logging activities.
- Training Required
- Many states have training programs for loggers. Although specific coursework may vary by state, programs usually include technical instruction or field training in a number of areas, including best management practices, environmental compliance, and reforestation.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: -7% (Decline)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Median pay: How much do Logging Workers make?
- $37,590 Annual Salary
- $18.07 per hour
Careers for Logging Workers
- Buckers
- Choke setters
- Contract cutters
- Contract skidders
- Cutter operators
- Delimber operators
- Fallers
- Feller buncher operators
- Feller operators
- Grapple operators
- Grapple skidder operators
- Loader operators
- Log buyers
- Log check scalers
- Log cutters
- Log graders
- Log graders and scalers
- Log haulers
- Log peelers
- Log processor operators
- Log ropers
- Log scalers
- Log sorters
- Log sorters, markers, movers, and chippers
- Log sorters, markers, movers, debarkers
- Log stacker operators
- Loggers
- Logging crane operators
- Logging shovel operators
- Logging tractor operators
- Lumber stacker operators
- Lumberjacks
- Pulpwood cutters
- Rigging slingers
- Rigging slingers and chasers
- Sawyers
- Scalers
- Skidder drivers
- Skidder operators
- Timber buyers
- Timber cutters
- Timber cutting and logging workers
- Timber estimators
- Timber fallers
- Timber fellers
- Timber hands
- Timber harvester operators
- Tree climbers
- Tree fellers
- Tree toppers
- Tree-shear operators
- Veneer graders