The median pay for Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood is $42,770 a year ($20.56/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 1.0% through 2035, with about 4,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-7041
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood in four numbers
- Median pay
- $42,770a year, or $20.56/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $31KTop 10% $58K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -1.0%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−1%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −1% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,50041,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202541.2K
- Projected 203540.8K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 41.2K Projected 2035 40.8K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school21.8%
- High school59.3%
- Certificate9.5%
- Some college9.5%
Highest education held by sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood Segment Value Less than high school 21.8% High school 59.3% Certificate 9.5% Some college 9.5%
Also advertised as: Bandmill Operator, Cut Off Saw Operator, Edgerman, Knot Saw Operator, Panel Saw Operator, Planer.
Pay
How much do Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood make?
Every sawing machine setter, operator, and tender, wood in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$42,770
Middle half earn $36,510 to $48,620
- 10th
- $30,890
- 25th
- $36,510
- 75th
- $48,620
- 90th
- $58,170
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $30,890 |
| 25th | $36,510 |
| Median | $42,770 |
| 75th | $48,620 |
| 90th | $58,170 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $42,770
- Median hourly wage
- $20.56/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $43,580
- People employed
- 40,850
Versus all US occupations
At $42,770, Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood earn 16% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $8,210 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 11% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $58,170 or more while the bottom 10% earn $30,890, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 10% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Alaska posts the highest raw median ($52,680), but once local prices are taken into account Iowa leads at $54,796 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Alaska | $52,680 | $51,466 | 100 |
| 2Washington | $51,940 | $48,536 | 1,720 |
| 3Minnesota | $51,330 | $52,048 | 500 |
| 4Connecticut | $51,150 | $49,368 | 110 |
| 5Oregon | $49,740 | $48,123 | 2,010 |
| 6Montana | $49,090 | $51,868 | 280 |
| 7Idaho | $48,350 | $50,631 | 700 |
| 8Iowa | $48,090 | $54,796 | 240 |
| 9California | $47,390 | $42,802 | 3,230 |
| 10Massachusetts | $47,210 | $44,640 | 60 |
Job outlook
Is Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -1.0% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood | −1% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood to change -1.0% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 400 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,500 openings are projected each year, 10.9% of the 41,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Overall demand for woodworkers is expected to be reduced by automation, especially the use of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines in wood product manufacturing. However, demand for some wood products, such as those used in home renovation projects and outdoor structures for restaurants and other businesses, may sustain demand for some woodworkers.
Getting in
How to become a Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a woodworker. Although some entry-level jobs may be learned in 1 month or less, becoming fully proficient may take several months to more than a year of on-the-job training. Woodworkers also must be able to use computer-controlled machinery.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)59.3%
- Less than a High School Diploma21.8%
- Post-Secondary Certificate9.5%
- Some College Courses9.5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 59.3% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 21.8% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 9.5% |
| Some College Courses | 9.5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood do?
Set up, operate, or tend wood sawing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment. Includes lead sawyers.
Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products, such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. They often combine and incorporate different materials into wood.
Day-to-day tasks
- Inspect and measure workpieces to mark for cuts and to verify the accuracy of cuts, using rulers, squares, or caliper rules.
- 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.
- Adjust saw blades, using wrenches and rulers, or by turning handwheels or pressing pedals, levers, or panel buttons.
- 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.
- Guide workpieces against saws, saw over workpieces by hand, or operate automatic feeding devices to guide cuts.
- Mount and bolt sawing blades or attachments to machine shafts.
- Inspect stock for imperfections or to estimate grades or qualities of stock or workpieces.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most woodworkers work full time during regular business hours. Work schedules vary for some woodworkers.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayRarely works in a climate-controlled indoor space.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the timeRegular bending or twisting.
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Monitoring3.0
- Active Listening2.8
- Speaking2.6
- Reading Comprehension2.4
- Active Learning2.1
- Mathematics2.0
- Learning Strategies2.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Active Listening | 2.8 |
| Speaking | 2.6 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.4 |
| Active Learning | 2.1 |
| Mathematics | 2.0 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.1
- Operation and Control3.1
- Troubleshooting3.0
- Quality Control Analysis3.0
- Equipment Maintenance2.8
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8
- Time Management2.8
- Coordination2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Operation and Control | 3.1 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.8 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.8 |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
| Coordination | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Document management software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Industrial control software
- Inventory management software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional3.9
- Investigative2.4
- Social1.2
- Artistic1.0
- Enterprising1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood
O*NET related occupations
- Production
Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Except Sawing
$43,380median a year
Most earn $32K to $57K
−2.5%High school - Production
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
$46,570median a year
Most earn $36K to $61K
−0.9%High school - Production
Grinding and Polishing Worker, Hand
$42,660median a year
Most earn $33K to $61K
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- Production
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,550median a year
Most earn $36K to $63K
−10.8%High school - Production
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$46,330median a year
Most earn $36K to $66K
−10.5%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood$42,770
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood | $42,770 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood appears on
Questions
Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood: frequently asked questions
How much do Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood make?
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood earn a median of $42,770 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 16% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $20.56/hr. The middle half earn between $36,510 and $48,620. The top 10% earn $58,170 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 59.3% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 1.0% over 2025–2035, a loss of 400 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood do?
Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products, such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. A core O*NET task: inspect and measure workpieces to mark for cuts and to verify the accuracy of cuts, using rulers, squares, or caliper rules. Employers most often ask for Document management software, Office suite software, Presentation software.
Which states pay Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood the most?
The highest state medians for Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood are Alaska ($52,680), Washington ($51,940), Minnesota ($51,330) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Iowa moves to the top at $54,796.
What personality type suits a Sawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Wood?
O*NET scores Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.