How much does a forestry logger get paid a year?

Answer

Earnings vary with the particular forestry or logging occupation and with experience. Earnings range from the minimum wage in some beginning forestry and conservation positions to about $25.46 an hour for some experienced fallers. Median hourly earnings in May 2004 for forest, conservation, and logging occupations were as follows:
Logging workers, all other $14.29
Fallers 13.23
Logging equipment operators 13.18
Log graders and scalers 12.29
Forest and conservation workers 9.51

Earnings of logging workers vary by size of establishment and by geographic area. Workers in the largest establishments earn more than those in the smallest ones. Workers in Alaska and the Northwest earn more than those in the South, where the cost of living is generally lower.

Forest and conservation workers who work for State and local governments or for large, private firms generally enjoy more generous benefits than do workers in smaller firms. Small logging contractor firms generally offer timber-cutting and logging workers few benefits beyond vacation leave. However, some employers offer full-time workers basic benefits, such as medical coverage, and provide safety apparel and equipment.