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Sawmill Laborer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The General Labor - Lumber Grader / Stacker position is responsible for grading, sorting, and stacking lumber in a pine sawmill production environment. This role supports safe and efficient mill ...

Sawmill Production Team, DeQuincy, Louisiana Interfor is seeking motivated and safety-conscious ... labor, machine operators and forklift operators. The startingrate for this position is $18.00 per ...

Sawmill Production Team

Baxley, GA

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

... labor, machine operators, and forklift operators. The starting rate for this position is 18.95 per ... Sawmill (5:30 pm to 5:30 am) Planer Mill (4:30pm to 3:30 am) What You'll Do * Complete clean-up and ...

Sawmill Production Team

Baxley, GA

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

... labor, machine operators, and forklift operators. The starting rate for this position is 18.95 per ... Sawmill (5:30 pm to 5:30 am) Planer Mill (4:30pm to 3:30 am) What You'll Do * Complete clean-up and ...

GENERAL LABOR

Winona, MS · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

General Labor Biewer Sawmill Winona is looking to fill a General Labor position for our Wednesday- Friday (6:00am-6:00pm) clean up schedules. This full-time, compressed schedule is a fantastic ...

Entry Level Laborer

La Grande, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Entry Level Laborer Posting Start Date: 6/17/26 Division: Lumber Posting Area: Operations ... Candidates must be able to work in a fast-paced, automated sawmill environment. Candidates must be ...

General Labor

Fairfax, SC

$13.50 - $17/hr

The General Laborer performs a variety of tasks to support sawmill operations, material flow, housekeeping, and production activities throughout the facility. This position is responsible for ...

Showing results 21-40

Sawmill Laborer information

See salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do sawmill laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for sawmill laborer in the United States is $18.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by sawmill laborers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Sawmill laborers often encounter challenges such as working with heavy machinery, exposure to loud noise, and maintaining safety in a fast-paced environment. Adhering to safety protocols, using proper personal protective equipment, and staying alert are essential for minimizing risks. Regular communication with supervisors and coworkers also helps in addressing potential hazards and ensures a smooth workflow. Continuous training and attention to detail play a crucial role in managing these challenges effectively.

What is a sawmill laborer?

A sawmill laborer is a worker who performs manual tasks in a sawmill, such as moving logs, operating basic equipment, and assisting with the processing of timber. The role often requires physical strength, attention to safety procedures, and familiarity with tools and machinery used in wood processing environments.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Sawmill laborer positions typically do not pay $4,000 a week; such high wages are uncommon in entry-level manual labor roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often require specialized skills, certifications, or experience in fields like sales, real estate, or certain trades, but generally not in physically demanding roles like sawmill laboring without advanced training or management responsibilities.

What are sawmill laborers?

Sawmill laborers are workers who assist in the processing of logs into lumber and other wood products at sawmills. Their duties typically include moving and stacking lumber, operating machinery such as saws and conveyors, cleaning the work area, and inspecting wood for quality. Sawmill laborers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the sawmill, often working in physically demanding environments. They may also be responsible for basic equipment maintenance and following safety protocols to prevent workplace injuries.

How much does a saw mill worker make?

Sawmill laborers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $40,000. Wages depend on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks performed, such as operating machinery or performing manual labor in a sawmill environment.

How to become a sawmill worker?

To become a sawmill laborer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should be physically fit to handle manual tasks. Experience operating basic tools or machinery can be helpful, and some employers may require safety training or certifications such as OSHA safety courses. On-the-job training is common, and a willingness to work in a physically demanding environment is essential.

What is the difference between Sawmill Laborer vs Sawmill Operator?

AspectSawmill LaborerSawmill Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPhysical, outdoor, noisy, and dustyIndoor, controlled environment with machinery operation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with loading, unloading, cleaning, and basic support tasksOperating saws and machinery, monitoring production, ensuring safety

The main difference is that Sawmill Laborers perform support tasks and assist with general duties, while Sawmill Operators handle machinery operation and oversee production processes. Both roles require safety awareness, but Sawmill Operators typically need more technical skills and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sawmill Laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sawmill Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with lumber processing operations, often gained through on-the-job training or a high school diploma. Experience with industrial saws, forklifts, conveyors, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong safety mindset are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient production, minimize workplace accidents, and maintain product quality in a physically demanding environment.
More about Sawmill Laborer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Sawmill Laborer jobs? The top employers for Sawmill Laborer jobs are:
What states have the most Sawmill Laborer jobs? States with the most job openings for Sawmill Laborer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sawmill Laborer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sawmill Laborer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sawmill Laborer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,629 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
General Labor- Lumber Grader/Stacker

General Labor- Lumber Grader/Stacker

UFP Industries, Inc

Bowling Green, VA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


UFP Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Title: General Labor - Lumber Grader / Stacker

Location:Bowling Green, VA
Employment Type:Full-Time
Starting Wage:$18.00-$22.00 per hour, depending on experience

Position Summary
The General Labor - Lumber Grader / Stacker position is responsible for grading, sorting, and stacking lumber in a pine sawmill production environment. This role supports safe and efficient mill operations by identifying lumber quality, keeping material moving, maintaining clean work areas, and working as part of a production team.

This is an entry-level production position with opportunities for advancement into sawmill operator positions for employees who demonstrate strong safety habits, attendance, work ethic, and the ability to learn mill operations.

Essential Functions

  • Grade and sort lumber based on size, quality, defects, and production requirements.
  • Stack lumber safely, neatly, and according to instructions.
  • Remove off-grade, damaged, or defective material as directed.
  • Keep production areas clean and free of debris, broken boards, and tripping hazards.
  • Assist with maintaining steady lumber flow through assigned work areas.
  • Communicate quality issues, equipment concerns, jams, or unsafe conditions to the supervisor or lead.
  • Follow all company safety procedures, including PPE requirements, lockout/tagout rules, and safe work practices around sawmill equipment.
  • Work cooperatively with machine operators, forklift operators, supervisors, and other production employees.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support sawmill operations.

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to work safely in a sawmill or manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to stand, bend, lift, pull, and perform repetitive work throughout the shift.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Reliable attendance and willingness to work as part of a team.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience in sawmill, lumber, pallet, manufacturing, construction, farming, warehouse, or other hands-on work environment.
  • Prior lumber grading, sorting, stacking, or forklift experience.
  • Mechanical aptitude or interest in learning sawmill equipment operation.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment
This position works in an industrial sawmill environment with exposure to noise, sawdust, moving equipment, lumber, forklifts, weather conditions, and varying temperatures. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, lift up to ____ pounds, bend, twist, push, pull, reach, and perform repetitive motions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Schedule
This is a full-time position. Overtime, weekends, and schedule flexibility may be required based on production needs.

Advancement Opportunity
Employees in this position may have the opportunity to advance into sawmill operator roles based on performance, safety record, attendance, attitude, and ability to learn additional responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Click here to watch what a day in the life of a General Labor role looks like.

Employment Type:Full-Time
Starting Wage:$18.00-$22.00 per hour, depending on experienceBenefits

currently offered to our employees:

  • Medical insurance
  • Health savings account with company contribution
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Basic and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Stock purchase program with employee discount
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Wellness programs and challenges
  • Other supplemental benefits

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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About UFP Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Forest Products, Inc., is a U.S.-based global corporation that finds reward in its roots and its hard-earned success. Founded in 1955 as a supplier of lumber to the manufactured housing industry, Universal today is a multibillion-dollar holding company with subsidiaries around the globe that serve three robust markets: retail, industrial and construction. Since 1993, Universal has been publicly traded (Nasdaq: UFPI). We re headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Industry

Wood product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Grand Rapids, MI, US

Year founded

1955

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