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As of October 2025, the average salary for a sawyer is estimated at $32,810 annually. This figure translates to around $16 per hour. Salaries for sawyers vary based on multiple factors, including geographical location and years of experience. For example, sawyers in states like Washington, Oregon, and California often earn higher wages due to the demand for timber and wood products in those areas.
In addition to location, the type of employer and specific job responsibilities can significantly impact earnings. Sawyers in the lumber industry may earn different wages compared to those working in smaller, local operations. It’s essential for aspiring sawyers to research various job roles and their corresponding salaries. Opportunities may include positions like head sawyer or mill operator, which typically offer higher compensation.
The job outlook for sawyers remains steady as the construction and manufacturing sectors continue to require wood products. With the right skills and experience, sawyers can find competitive jobs in various regions. Engaging in ongoing training and certifications may also enhance earning potential and open doors to higher-paying positions.
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The average sawyer salary in Oregon, Wyoming, and Minnesota are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average sawyer salary states are Iowa, Texas, and Arizona.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $40,567 | $19.50 |
| 2 | West Virginia | $38,212 | $18.37 |
| 3 | Minnesota | $38,701 | $18.61 |
| 4 | Nevada | $38,288 | $18.41 |
| 5 | Indiana | $36,626 | $17.61 |
| 6 | Washington | $38,455 | $18.49 |
| 7 | Wyoming | $38,806 | $18.66 |
| 8 | North Dakota | $35,079 | $16.86 |
| 9 | Louisiana | $37,972 | $18.26 |
| 10 | Idaho | $37,186 | $17.88 |
| 11 | Alabama | $36,020 | $17.32 |
| 12 | Ohio | $34,707 | $16.69 |
| 13 | Wisconsin | $35,426 | $17.03 |
| 14 | Colorado | $36,868 | $17.73 |
| 15 | Maine | $37,372 | $17.97 |
| 16 | North Carolina | $35,810 | $17.22 |
| 17 | Delaware | $38,360 | $18.44 |
| 18 | Florida | $36,943 | $17.76 |
| 19 | Rhode Island | $36,984 | $17.78 |
| 20 | South Carolina | $35,611 | $17.12 |
| 21 | New Hampshire | $36,798 | $17.69 |
| 22 | Pennsylvania | $34,765 | $16.71 |
| 23 | Connecticut | $37,184 | $17.88 |
| 24 | Kansas | $33,496 | $16.10 |
| 25 | Oklahoma | $33,454 | $16.08 |
| 26 | Massachusetts | $36,883 | $17.73 |
| 27 | Tennessee | $33,078 | $15.90 |
| 28 | Vermont | $36,698 | $17.64 |
| 29 | District of Columbia | $38,870 | $18.69 |
| 30 | Michigan | $33,192 | $15.96 |
| 31 | California | $36,697 | $17.64 |
| 32 | Mississippi | $34,068 | $16.38 |
| 33 | Maryland | $36,891 | $17.74 |
| 34 | South Dakota | $32,665 | $15.70 |
| 35 | Kentucky | $32,886 | $15.81 |
| 36 | Illinois | $33,648 | $16.18 |
| 37 | Georgia | $33,283 | $16.00 |
| 38 | Iowa | $31,462 | $15.13 |
| 39 | Texas | $30,961 | $14.89 |
| 40 | Utah | $32,581 | $15.66 |
| 41 | Nebraska | $32,517 | $15.63 |
| 42 | Montana | $32,816 | $15.78 |
| 43 | Hawaii | $34,766 | $16.71 |
| 44 | Alaska | $32,678 | $15.71 |
| 45 | Virginia | $32,009 | $15.39 |
| 46 | New Jersey | $31,794 | $15.29 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $29,049 | $13.97 |
| 48 | Missouri | $28,739 | $13.82 |
| 49 | New York | $31,616 | $15.20 |
| 50 | Arizona | $30,547 | $14.69 |
| 51 | New Mexico | $29,031 | $13.96 |
The highest-paying cities for sawyers are Hillsboro, OR, Longview, WA, and Las Vegas, NV.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hillsboro, OR | $40,527 | $19.48 |
| 2 | Longview, WA | $38,584 | $18.55 |
| 3 | Las Vegas, NV | $38,254 | $18.39 |
| 4 | Vallejo, CA | $37,058 | $17.82 |
| 5 | New Bedford, MA | $36,995 | $17.79 |
| 6 | Pueblo, CO | $36,899 | $17.74 |
| 7 | Garner, NC | $36,312 | $17.46 |
| 8 | De Pere, WI | $35,303 | $16.97 |
| 9 | Spartanburg, SC | $34,770 | $16.72 |
| 10 | Knoxville, TN | $33,699 | $16.20 |
| 11 | Lansing, MI | $33,144 | $15.93 |
| 12 | Gainesville, GA | $32,812 | $15.78 |
| 13 | Ogden, UT | $32,580 | $15.66 |
| 14 | New York, NY | $31,684 | $15.23 |
| 15 | Houston, TX | $31,498 | $15.14 |
| 16 | Ankeny, IA | $31,439 | $15.11 |
| 17 | Manassas, VA | $31,249 | $15.02 |
| 18 | Casa Grande, AZ | $30,568 | $14.70 |
A sawyer's salary ranges from $26,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $40,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 | $17 |
| Average | $32,810 | $2,734 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,000 | $2,417 | $14 |
| 10th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $13 |
The highest paying types of sawyers are edger, stile ripsaw operator, and slasher operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saw Operator | $32,319 | $2,693 | $15.54 | 58,465 |
Sawyer salaries at Hexcel and Carter Lumber are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average sawyer salary at companies like Atkore International and Pacific Coast Building Products are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hexcel | $37,673 | $18.11 |
| 2 | Carter Lumber | $36,049 | $17.33 |
| 3 | Atkore International | $35,581 | $17.11 |
| 4 | Pacific Coast Building Products | $34,791 | $16.73 |
| 5 | Brinker International | $34,049 | $16.37 |
| 6 | Quanex Building Products | $33,832 | $16.27 |
| 7 | Greystar Real Estate Partners | $33,670 | $16.19 |
| 8 | Builders FirstSource | $32,547 | $15.65 |
| 9 | Vail Resorts | $32,466 | $15.61 |
| 10 | US LBM | $32,223 | $15.49 |
| 11 | DCI | $32,132 | $15.45 |
| 12 | Tindell's Building Materials | $31,149 | $14.98 |
| 13 | 84 Lumber | $31,088 | $14.95 |
The average sawyer salary has risen by $5,551 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average sawyer earned $27,259 annually, but today, they earn $32,810 a year. That works out to a 11% change in pay for sawyers over the last decade.
Compare sawyer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare sawyer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,800 | $15.77 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $31,600 | $15.20 | +3.0% |
| 2023 | $30,700 | $14.74 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $30,200 | $14.53 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $29,500 | $14.18 | +2.0% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parr Lumber | Lumber Sawyer | Ridgefield, WA | 06/28/2025 | $43,827 |
| Huttig | Elkin Sawmill Sawyer | Elkin, NC | 06/22/2025 | $37,566 |
| Us Lbm Service Co | Truss Sawyer I | Redding, CA | 06/21/2025 | $39,653 |
| Gal Manufacturing, a Vantage Elevation Company | Wall Panel Sawyer | Tukwila, WA | 06/21/2025 | $52,175 |
| Parr Lumber | Lumber Sawyer | Bend, OR | 06/18/2025 | $43,827 |
| Trident Seafoods | Sawyer Swing Shift Bellingham WA | Bellingham, WA | 06/14/2025 | $40,383 |
| Huttig | Sawmill Sawyer | Independence, VA | 06/12/2025 | $37,566 |
| Floform Countertops | Sawyer (Night Shift) | Meridian, ID | 06/10/2025 | $52,175 |
| Floform Countertops | Sawyer (Night Shift) | Meridian, ID | 05/26/2025 | $52,175 |
| Aerotek | Sawyer | Vancouver, WA | 05/24/2025 | $48,001 |
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