Skidder operator vs terminal operator

The differences between skidder operators and terminal 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 a terminal operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $39,342 average annual salary of a skidder operator.

The top three skills for a skidder operator include transport logs, general maintenance and air filters. The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Skidder operator vs terminal operator overview

	Skidder Operator	Terminal Operator
Yearly salary	$39,342	$39,948
Hourly rate	$18.91	$19.21
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,263	43,328
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Skidder operator vs terminal operator salary

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

	Skidder Operator	Terminal Operator
Average salary	$39,342	$39,948
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $49,000	Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between skidder operator and terminal operator education

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

	Skidder Operator	Terminal Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Business
Most common college	-	-

Skidder operator vs terminal operator demographics

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

	Skidder Operator	Terminal Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0%	Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
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, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between skidder operator and terminal 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.

Terminal operator example responsibilities.

Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
Pull LTL loads for shipment.
Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
Operate forklifts and loaders for loading aircraft.
Complete and signs declaration of inspection (Doi).

Skidder operator vs terminal operator skills

Common skidder operator skills

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

Common terminal operator skills

Loaders, 9%
Cranes, 9%
Rail Cars, 7%
Customer Service, 6%
TWIC, 5%
General Maintenance, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Skidder Operator
Skidder Operator vs Terminal Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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