Skidder operator vs equipment operator

The differences between skidder operators and equipment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a skidder operator and an equipment operator. Additionally, a skidder operator has an average salary of $39,342, which is higher than the $31,739 average annual salary of an equipment operator.

The top three skills for a skidder operator include transport logs, general maintenance and air filters. The most important skills for an equipment operator are CDL, loaders, and asphalt.

Skidder operator vs equipment operator overview

	Skidder Operator	Equipment Operator
Yearly salary	$39,342	$31,739
Hourly rate	$18.91	$15.26
Growth rate	7%	5%
Number of jobs	42,263	62,473
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 46%
Average age	43	45
Years of experience	4	4

Skidder operator vs equipment operator salary

Skidder operators and equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Skidder Operator	Equipment Operator
Average salary	$39,342	$31,739
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $49,000	Between $24,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Indianapolis, IN
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Nelsen Partners
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between skidder operator and equipment operator education

There are a few differences between a skidder operator and an equipment operator in terms of educational background:

	Skidder Operator	Equipment Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 46%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Business
Most common college	-	-

Skidder operator vs equipment operator demographics

Here are the differences between skidder operators' and equipment operators' demographics:

	Skidder Operator	Equipment Operator
Average age	43	45
Gender ratio	Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0%	Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 2.1% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	2%

Differences between skidder operator and equipment operator duties and responsibilities

Skidder operator example 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.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

Equipment operator example responsibilities.

Manage and cross-train subordinates in several job-relate tasks while promoting leadership.
Operate track loader, dozer, excavator, track skid loader, rubber tire loader, and haul truck as assigned.
Operate heavy equipment including loaders and rollers.
Operate bulldozers, compactors, and scrapers for residential land development
Work include backhoe operation, equipment operation, landscaping and snow removal
Operate backhoes and trench diggers.

Skidder operator vs equipment operator skills

Common skidder operator skills

Transport Logs, 30%
General Maintenance, 14%
Air Filters, 10%
Equipment Maintenance, 9%
Booms, 9%
CDL, 8%

Common equipment operator skills

CDL, 10%
Loaders, 7%
Asphalt, 5%
Backhoe, 5%
Hand Tools, 5%
Safety Rules, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Skidder Operator
Skidder Operator vs Equipment Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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