Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Logging workers, all other, represent a relatively small occupation with national employment of about 3,000 workers. The national median annual salary of $52,000 indicates that this field can provide a solid income for those who qualify. Typical entry into this career requires a high school diploma or equivalent, which may appeal to individuals looking for hands-on work without the need for a college degree. The role draws on a mix of physical, mechanical, and problem-solving skills, so it suits people who enjoy combining physical activity with technical and observational abilities. Career options are geographically concentrated, with certain states and metro areas offering stronger opportunities than others, as reflected in their opportunity scores. While projected employment growth is negative, there are still locations with notable employment levels and competitive salaries. For those interested in related paths, similar occupations include logging equipment operators and several types of machine setters, operators, and tenders, as well as surface mining equipment roles.
The national median annual salary for logging workers, all other, is $52,000, suggesting the potential for stable earnings in this field. Pay varies meaningfully by state and metro area. Among the top states by opportunity score, Washington shows a notably high median salary of $67,650, followed by Oregon at $57,890 and California at $47,490. Virginia and Georgia offer median salaries of $42,910 and $34,870, respectively. At the metro level, Oregon stands out: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro reports a median of $58,840, Albany $58,420, Corvallis $57,040, and Salem $55,790, with Eugene-Springfield at $50,090. These figures indicate that some regional markets, especially in Oregon and Washington, provide higher earning potential than the national median, while others offer lower pay. Individuals considering this career may want to weigh these regional salary differences when exploring job options or relocation decisions.
Logging workers, all other, currently have national employment of about 3,000 workers, and the occupation is projected to experience -4.7% employment growth. This negative growth rate indicates that total employment is expected to decline over the projection period. Annual openings are listed as 0, suggesting limited new job opportunities nationally when looking strictly at projected figures. This combination of small overall employment and declining projected growth means that competition for available roles may be significant, and openings may arise primarily through turnover rather than expansion. The -4.7% growth rate also appears consistently across the highlighted states and metro areas, reflecting a broader trend rather than a location-specific pattern. For individuals interested in this field, it is important to factor in the constrained outlook and consider regional opportunity scores and salaries, as some areas still show higher employment levels and more attractive compensation even in the context of a shrinking overall job base.
Location plays a major role in opportunities for logging workers, all other. Among states, California has the highest employment at 270 and an opportunity score of 67.38, with a median salary of $47,490. Oregon shows the largest employment count among the listed states at 590, with a higher median salary of $57,890 and an opportunity score of 38.58. Washington offers the highest median salary at $67,650 but with smaller employment (150) and an opportunity score of 56.29. Virginia and Georgia each have employment of 80, with lower median salaries and opportunity scores than the top three states. At the metro level, Oregon dominates the opportunity landscape. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro leads with an opportunity score of 51.53 and a median salary of $58,840. Salem, Corvallis, Eugene-Springfield, and Albany all provide median salaries around or above $50,000, with varying employment levels from 30 to 90. These patterns show that certain pockets, especially in Oregon and parts of Washington and California, concentrate both jobs and competitive pay.
The typical education requirement for logging workers, all other, is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the occupation accessible to individuals who prefer to enter the workforce without pursuing postsecondary education. However, success in the field draws on a broad combination of skills. Physical strength and stamina and fine motor skills are important, reflecting the physical and precise nature of the work. Mechanical skills and science knowledge support understanding and working with equipment and processes. Problem solving and decision making, along with being detail oriented, are valuable for handling day-to-day challenges and maintaining accuracy. Project management and leadership skills indicate that some roles may involve coordinating tasks or guiding others. Mathematics and interpersonal skills also play a role, supporting measurement, basic calculations, and effective communication on the job. Together, these skills suggest a career path that blends physical capability with technical, analytical, and people-oriented strengths.
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