Logging Equipment Operators
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.
Common Job Titles
- Loader Operator
- Logging Equipment Operator
- Skidder Driver
- Skidder Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate logging tractors and wheeled vehicles with specialized accessories (bulldozer blades, grapples, cable winches, crane booms) in forestry environments to fell, skid, load, and stack logs.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate machinery controls and processes using feller bunchers, harvesters, and forwarders to execute complex logging operations.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform mechanical equipment maintenance and repairs on skidders, loaders, and specialized forestry machinery to ensure operational readiness.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate equipment performance and operational compliance with safety standards through continuous monitoring of machinery in rugged terrain.Proficient
- KnowledgeEstimate log volumes, load weights, and extraction distances using logger's tapes and visual assessment to optimize productivity.Proficient
- Hands-onHandle logs and materials using grapples, forks, and winches under challenging environmental conditions.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze terrain conditions, tree characteristics, and equipment capabilities to determine optimal felling and extraction methods.Developing
- KnowledgeApply troubleshooting procedures to diagnose and resolve mechanical and hydraulic system malfunctions in field conditions.Developing
- MindsetEngage with crew members and supervisors to coordinate logging operations and maintain safety protocols in remote work sites.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret work orders, site plans, and safety regulations to execute logging operations according to production and environmental requirements.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Logging Equipment Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
22,520
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,050. 25th percentile: U.S. $43,750. 50th percentile: U.S. $49,210. 75th percentile: U.S. $60,640. 90th percentile: U.S. $72,280. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,050 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $72,280 |
| Workers on average earn | $52,020 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mechanical4.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Transportation2.7/5
- Administration and Management2.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- BCS Woodlands Systems The Logger Tracker
- TradeTec TallyWorks Logs
- TradeTec TallyWorks TimeTracker
Tools & Equipment
- Cable skidders
- Delimbers
- Desktop computers
- Digital tire pressure gauges
- Drive-to-tree feller bunchers
- Equipment trailers
- Felling heads
- Forestry crawler dozers