What is a logging equipment operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Driving a big rig takes a special talent (and license!), but driving one with logs on it is a whole other monster. That's exactly what logging equipment operators are in charge of. Sometimes, they get to drive specialized logging tractors, but as long as the big rig is equipped with one of many special tools used for logging, the trucks can be used just as well.

Logging equipment operators get to come into contact with a lot of cool toys (or tools) in their day-to-day roles. This includes bulldozer blades, frontal shears, grapple, logging arches, cable winches, hoisting racks and crane booms. Whatever it takes to get those trees to fall.

ScoreLogging Equipment OperatorUS Average
Salary
4.3

Avg. Salary $55,039

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.2

Growth Rate -4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.81%

Asian 1.07%

Black or African American 8.08%

Hispanic or Latino 9.29%

Unknown 4.91%

White 74.84%

Gender

female 1.82%

male 98.18%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress Level
7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.0

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a logging equipment operator

  1. Explore logging equipment operator education requirements

    Most common logging equipment operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    58.3 %

    Diploma

    25.0 %

    Bachelor's

    8.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific logging equipment operator skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Booms63.51%
    Stack Logs36.49%
  3. Complete relevant logging equipment operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New logging equipment operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a logging equipment operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real logging equipment operator resumes.
  4. Research logging equipment operator duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain accuracy of automate planning systems, organize logistics and base support for employing, deploying, and transiting units.
    • Schedule work for crew, order parts, troubleshoot equipment
  5. Apply for logging equipment operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a logging equipment operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Logging Equipment Operator Job

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Average logging equipment operator salary

The average Logging Equipment Operator salary in the United States is $55,039 per year or $26 per hour. Logging equipment operator salaries range between $25,000 and $119,000 per year.

Average Logging Equipment Operator Salary
$55,039 Yearly
$26.46 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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