Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 43,140 sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, woods, and they earn a median of $39,950/year. The range runs from $30K to $57K. Oregon pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, woods start around $30K. The gap between that and the median ($40K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $57K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $50K | 2,000 |
| Montana | $49K | 270 |
| Minnesota | $49K | 850 |
| Washington | $49K | 1,580 |
| Idaho | $49K | 590 |
| Iowa | $48K | 320 |
| Illinois | $48K | 840 |
| Massachusetts | $47K | 80 |
| California | $46K | 2,500 |
| Vermont | $45K | 140 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood make?▼
The median sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood salary in the United States is $39,950 per year ($19/hour). Entry-level positions start around $29,670, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,560.
What education do you need to become a sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, woods?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, woods.
What are the highest paying states for sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, woods?▼
The highest paying states for sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, woods are Oregon ($49,660), Montana ($48,950), Minnesota ($48,930), Washington ($48,830), Idaho ($48,630). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.