Logging equipment operators
SOC Code: 45-4022Also known as:
Buncher Operator, Chain Hooker, Cutter Operator, Delimber, Delimber Operator
Median Annual Salary
$49,210
-1.4% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
31K
Current Jobs
What Logging equipment operators Do
Drive logging tractor or wheeled vehicle equipped with one or more accessories, such as bulldozer blade, frontal shear, grapple, logging arch, cable winches, hoisting rack, or crane boom, to fell tree; to skid, load, unload, or stack logs; or to pull stumps or clear brush. Includes operating stand-alone logging machines, such as log chippers.
💰 Salary
$49,210
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-1.4%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
30,900
Projected Employment (2034)
30,500
Related Careers
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
Continuous mining machine operators
$63,380 •
+0.6% growth
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining
$68,860 •
-22.3% growth
Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
-1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Active Listening
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect equipment for safety prior to use, and perform necessary basic maintenance tasks.
- Control hydraulic tractors equipped with tree clamps and booms to lift, swing, and bunch sheared trees.
- Grade logs according to characteristics such as knot size and straightness, and according to established industry or company standards.
- Drive straight or articulated tractors equipped with accessories such as bulldozer blades, grapples, logging arches, cable winches, and crane booms to skid, load, unload, or stack logs, pull stumps, or clear brush.
- Drive crawler or wheeled tractors to drag or transport logs from felling sites to log landing areas for processing and loading.
- Fill out required job or shift report forms.
- Drive tractors for building or repairing logging and skid roads.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Logging equipment operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a logging equipment operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Logging equipment operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become logging equipment operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do logging equipment operators make?
The median annual salary for logging equipment operators is $49,210.
What education do logging equipment operators need?
Most logging equipment operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming logging equipment operators a good career choice?
Logging equipment operators is projected to see -1.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 4,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for logging equipment operators?
Top colleges for aspiring logging equipment operators include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to logging equipment operators?
Logging equipment operators may also be known as: Buncher Operator, Chain Hooker, Cutter Operator, Delimber, Delimber Operator, Equipment Operator, Feller Buncher Operator, Feller Operator, Forder Operator, Grapple Operator, Grapple Skidder Operator, Groundsperson, Harvester Operator, Hook Tender, Loader, Loader Operator, Log Carrier Operator, Log Chipper Operator, Log Handling Equipment Operator, Log Hauler.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.