Logging

• Before wood is rendered usable, trees must be cut down, formed into manageable pieces, and shipped en mass to mills. Loggers are split into several types of jobs. Fallers cut down the trees, equipment operators use machines to shear and cut them to size and graders and scalers are responsible for quality and defect inspections. These jobs are physically demanding and extremely hazardous; however, the annual wage for experience workers can exceed $55,000 per year.
  
  

Wood Production Manufacturing

• When lumber is shipped to the sawmill, it must be shaped, planed, veneered and prepared for general or industrial use. Sawmills provide a variety of jobs geared to individuals of various skill sets, from heavy lifting and packaging to using and maintaining complex machinery. Therefore, working in manufacturing can be as dangerous as working in logging. Manufacturers can expect to make at least $10 per hour in most areas of the country; on average, earnings are even higher depending on position and level of experience.
  
  

Material Moving

• Material movers are responsible for taking the products from manufacturers and transporting it. This category is split into two distinct groups: machine operators, whose job it is to move stock short distances within a company or to ship lumber; and laborers, who inspect, move and stock the materials. Most employees start as laborers and gain qualifications to operate forklifts, cranes and tractors. Median earnings are as low as $8 an hour and can be more than $20.
  
  

Construction

• The lumber industry may employ those who use the raw materials to build things. Construction workers handle materials---lifting, carrying and building are common responsibilities---so physical fitness is absolutely necessary to prevent injury. The rate of injury is significantly higher than the national average for other occupations. However, construction workers' earnings are much higher than the national average, with hourly earnings greater than $20 per hour.
  
  

Equipment Operators

• Laborers on construction sites may receive training to operate large machines, like cranes, piledrivers and forklifts. Commercial licenses and certifications are requisites for such occupations, though such training generally takes place on-site. Operators are usually required to be well balanced, coordinated and to demonstrate adeptness at the electronic controls of the vehicle. Earnings begin around $17 an hour, with the highest 10 percent of operators making $30 per hour or more.