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Log Processing Machine Operator, Lumbermill Machine Operator, Miller, Planermill Machine Operator, Production Worker, Sawyer, Wood Miller
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $28.62 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $31.83 |
| Top | $34.45 |
Interest in operating front end loaders and stationary deck cranes to feed logs into sawmill, machines to saw, trim and plane rough lumber into dressed lumber of various sizes, to saw and split shingles and shakes and automated equipment to convey logs through laser scanners which determine the most productive and profitable cutting patterns; and in moving stacks to storage areas and drying kilns
Interest in compiling information while examining logs and rough lumber to determine size, condition, quality and other characteristics in order to decide what cuts are required
Interest in setting up and adjusting saw equipment, and replacing blades and bands using wrenches, gauges and other hand tools
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Sawing logs into boards and planks of varying widths and thicknesses requires a fairly standard series of operations. However, the processes used vary from one sawmill to another. In some sawmills, the work of sawmill machine operators is labour intensive. In other mills, technological advances have decreased the amount of manual labour required.
Sawmill machine operators may use various types of automated or mobile equipment to:
In general, sawmill machine operators:
Sawmill machine operators work shifts that depend on production requirements. Even though technical advancements are improving working conditions, the environment still may be hot or cold, noisy or dusty.
Sawmill machine operators must wear safety equipment such as hard hats, safety boots, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vests and ear protection to reduce the risk of injury. Depending on the mill, machine operators may be required to lift items weighing over 20 kilograms.
Sawmill machine operators need:
They should enjoy operating and monitoring equipment, having clear parameters and organized methods for their work, and working with others to solve problems.
Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates but may hire people with less education who have experience operating machinery or equipment.
Sawmill machine operators receive on-the-job training. They usually start in entry-level labour positions and move up to machine operating positions as they become available. With experience and satisfactory performance operating one type of machine, they advance to more complex tasks.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Sawmill machine operators work in sawmills and planing mills. In some sawmills, union membership is a condition of employment.
Machine operators may move into electrician or millwright apprenticeships. For more information, see the Electrician and Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) occupational profiles.
Advancement to head sawyer or planer operator positions requires years of experience in various sawmill machine operating positions with the same company. Without further education, such as advanced first aid, lumber grading and power engineering certification, opportunities to advance are limited.
Post-secondary education is a definite asset for advancement to leadership positions such as planer supervisor or sawmill supervisor.
Sawmill machine operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9431: Sawmill machine operators. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the Manufacturing [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 9431: Sawmill machine operators occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
The employment turnover rate in many sawmills is low so jobs may not be available often. However, employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wages and benefits vary considerably from one employer to another.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.00 | $32.72 | $28.62 | $29.20 |
| Overall | $22.40 | $35.34 | $31.83 | $33.15 |
| Top | $23.80 | $37.70 | $34.45 | $36.83 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $67,230 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $65,609 |
Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) website: albertaforestproducts.ca
Work Wild website: www.workwild.ca
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Updated May 20, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.