Post job

What is a skidder operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a skidder operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.91 an hour? That's $39,342 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSkidder OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,342

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.76%

Asian 2.15%

Black or African American 13.16%

Hispanic or Latino 14.16%

Unknown 4.18%

White 65.59%

Gender

female 4.97%

male 95.03%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Skidder operator career paths

Key steps to become a skidder operator

  1. Explore skidder operator education requirements

    Most common skidder operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    57.4 %

    Diploma

    16.3 %

    Associate

    8.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific skidder operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Transport Logs30.06%
    General Maintenance14.12%
    Air Filters9.74%
    Equipment Maintenance9.10%
    Booms8.69%
  3. Complete relevant skidder operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New skidder operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a skidder operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real skidder operator resumes.
  4. Research skidder operator duties and responsibilities

    • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
    • Operate a skidder, pulling logs to the landing after setting chokers on them
    • Perform inventory accuracy transactions into MARC, load trailers, organize pallets into the warehouse and receive packaging materials.
    • Hook and pull logs from wood areas to loading yard area and knuckle boom.
  5. Prepare your skidder operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your skidder operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a skidder operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable skidder operator resume templates

    Build a professional skidder operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your skidder operator resume.
    Skidder Operator Resume
    Skidder Operator Resume
    Skidder Operator Resume
    Skidder Operator Resume
    Skidder Operator Resume
    Skidder Operator Resume
    Skidder Operator Resume
    Skidder Operator Resume
    Skidder Operator Resume
  6. Apply for skidder operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a skidder operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first skidder operator job

Zippi

Are you a skidder operator?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average skidder operator salary

The average skidder operator salary in the United States is $39,342 per year or $19 per hour. Skidder operator salaries range between $31,000 and $49,000 per year.

Average skidder operator salary
$39,342 Yearly
$18.91 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do skidder operators rate their job?

Working as a skidder operator? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse transportation jobs