Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood Salary 2025: $42,770 Median, Gloomy Outlook
Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders in woodworking earn a median of $42,770 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's about $21 an hour. The typical range runs from $30,890 at the 10th percentile to $58,170 at the 90th, so pay varies significantly by experience, location, and industry.
How much Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood earn
The national median salary for this occupation is $42,770, with a mean (average) of $43,580. Hourly, that works out to roughly $20.95. The bottom 10% earn less than $30,890, while the top 10% bring home more than $58,170.
Wages depend on factors like industry. Sawmill and wood preservation settings often pay differently than furniture or cabinet manufacturing. Overtime opportunities are common in production environments, which can boost annual take-home pay.
- Median annual: $42,770
- Mean annual: $43,580
- Hourly median: ~$21
- 10th percentile: $30,890
- 90th percentile: $58,170
Pay by state
Location makes a big difference. The highest-paying state is Alaska, with an average annual wage of $52,680. Washington follows at $51,940, then Minnesota at $51,330, Connecticut at $51,150, and Oregon at $49,740. These states have strong wood products industries and higher cost-of-living adjustments.
On the lower end, Virginia averages $35,790, West Virginia $35,590, and New Mexico $34,720. Entry-level pay in these states may be near the national 10th percentile. If you're mobile, targeting a top-paying state could boost your earnings by roughly $17,000 a year versus a low-paying state.
How to become Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
This is typically an entry-level occupation that doesn't require formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED. Most training happens on the job. You'll learn to set up and operate sawing equipment, read cut lists, and maintain blades. Safety training is mandatory, and many employers require basic math skills for measuring and cutting.
Some community colleges and trade schools offer short certificate programs in woodworking or machine operation, which can help you stand out. Apprenticeships are rare but available through unions or large mills. Employers usually prefer candidates with mechanical aptitude and physical stamina, as the job involves standing for long shifts and lifting heavy lumber.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training (typically a few months)
- Optional: woodworking certificate from a community college
- Mechanical aptitude and physical fitness
- Basic math and reading skills
Job outlook
The BLS projects a decline of 0.6% in employment from 2024 to 2034 — essentially flat, with a slight downward trend. That's worse than the average for all occupations, which is growing. The decline reflects automation and offshoring in wood product manufacturing.
Despite that, about 4,800 openings are expected each year due to workers retiring or leaving the field. So while the overall count is shrinking, there will still be steady demand to replace workers. Most opportunities will appear in states with large wood products industries like the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sawing Machine Setter a good career?
It's a stable job with no college requirement, but the pay is modest and the outlook is flat-to-declining. Median $42,770 can support a basic lifestyle in low-cost areas. The work is physical and can be repetitive.
What education do you need to be a sawing machine setter?
Typically only a high school diploma or GED. Most skills are learned on the job in a few months. Some technical courses can help, but they're not required.
What states pay the most for sawing machine operators?
Alaska ($52,680), Washington ($51,940), Minnesota ($51,330), Connecticut ($51,150), and Oregon ($49,740) top the list. The lowest are New Mexico ($34,720), West Virginia ($35,590), and Virginia ($35,790).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood data.