Career Overview
Set up, operate, or tend wood sawing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment. Includes lead sawyers.
Also Known As
- Resaw Operator
- Rip Saw Operator
- Saw Operator
- Sawyer
Alternate Job Titles
- Automatic Bandsaw Tender
- Automatic Edger
- Automatic Log Cut-Off Sawyer
- Backup Sawyer
- Band Saw Operator
- Band Saw Runner
- Band Sawyer
- Band Scroll Saw Operator
- Bandmill Operator
- Bandsaw Operator
- Bead Cutter
- Beading Sawyer
- Bill Cutter
- Billet Cutter
- Block Bolter Mule Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Inspect and measure workpieces to mark for cuts and to verify the accuracy of cuts, using rulers, squares, or caliper rules.
- Adjust saw blades, using wrenches and rulers, or by turning handwheels or pressing pedals, levers, or panel buttons.
- Mount and bolt sawing blades or attachments to machine shafts.
- Set up, operate, or tend saws or machines that cut or trim wood to specified dimensions, such as circular saws, band saws, multiple-blade sawing machines, scroll saws, ripsaws, or crozer machines.
- Inspect stock for imperfections or to estimate grades or qualities of stock or workpieces.
- Monitor sawing machines, adjusting speed and tension and clearing jams to ensure proper operation.
- Sharpen blades, or replace defective or worn blades or bands, using hand tools.
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Rate Control
- Reaction Time
- Trunk Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Band saws
- Band scroll saws
- Bench dogs
- Biscuit jointers
- C clamps
- Circular saws
- Combination squares
- Computer terminals
- Contour band saws
- Conveyer belt systems
- Crosscut saws
- Cutoff saws
- Desktop computers
- Dial calipers
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $29,670 |
| Median | $39,950 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $56,560 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 43,140
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $40,440
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,700
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,690
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $38,800
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,190
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.