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Skidder Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ATL OPERATOR

Hazlehurst, GA

$14 - $19/hr

Communicate with truck drivers and scale house to coordinate unloading order and traffic flow ... Forklift, dozer, or skidder experience (a plus) Physical & Work Environment * Work outdoors in heat ...

Track hoe, skidder and backhoe Reads, studies and interprets job specifications, plans and blue ... Must hold a valid driver's license. * Must hold NCCER or NCCCO certification. Preferred Education ...

Skilled Laborer

Washington, PA

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Skidder CDL not required but is a plus. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: * 2 years previous experience operating heavy equipment preferred; * Pass pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and criminal background ...

Skilled Laborer

Washington, PA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Skidder CDL not required but is a plus. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: * 2 years previous experience operating heavy equipment preferred; * Pass pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and criminal background ...

Equipment Operator

Edmond, OK · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Possible equipment operation (skidder, excavator, skid steer, chipper etc.) * Clean and maintain equipment as necessary. * Other duties as assigned. * Must have a valid driver's license; CDL required

ALASKA ELECTRICIAN

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$25.50 - $35/hr

Elevator motor units (jacking), Skidder gear unit (longitude and transvers, Raw water tour gear ... Must possess a valid Driver's License (no restrictions) - Real ID compliant, suitable for travel to ...

Laborer

Kenai, AK · On-site

$18/hr

... Driver's License with satisfactory driving record • Strong focus and attention to detail for ... skidder, operate vehicles, maintain vehicles and small equipment, fuel equipment, Mobilize ...

... Driver's License with satisfactory driving record Strong focus and attention to detail for ... skidder, operate vehicles, maintain vehicles and small equipment, fuel equipment, Mobilize ...

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Skidder Driver information

See salary details

$14

$37

$89

How much do skidder driver jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for skidder driver in the United States is $37.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Skidder Driver, you need solid experience in operating heavy forestry equipment, knowledge of safe logging practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulics, GPS navigation systems, and routine equipment maintenance is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help ensure safety and efficiency on the job site. These skills and qualities are essential for minimizing accidents, maintaining equipment longevity, and supporting productive forestry operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Skidder Drivers in daily operations?

Skidder Drivers often encounter challenging terrain and weather conditions, which require careful maneuvering and constant attention to safety. Navigating through dense forests while handling heavy machinery can be physically demanding and may sometimes involve long hours. Additionally, Skidder Drivers must coordinate closely with other logging crew members to ensure efficient removal of logs and to minimize environmental impact. Staying alert and maintaining equipment are also crucial aspects of the role.

What are skidder drivers?

Skidder drivers are operators who control heavy forestry equipment called skidders, which are used to pull cut trees out of a forest during logging operations. Their main responsibility is to safely and efficiently transport logs from the cutting site to a loading area for further processing or transport. Skidder drivers must be skilled at maneuvering large machinery in challenging terrain and are often required to perform basic maintenance on their equipment. They also need to follow safety protocols to protect themselves and others in the logging environment.

What is the difference between Skidder Driver vs Log Loader Operator?

AspectSkidder DriverLog Loader Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, logging safety trainingForklift or crane certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentForests, logging sites, rough terrainLogging yards, processing areas, heavy machinery
Industry UsageCommon in logging operations for moving logsUsed for loading logs onto trucks or processing

The main difference between a Skidder Driver and a Log Loader Operator lies in their roles: Skidder Drivers primarily move logs within the forest using skidders, while Log Loader Operators handle loading logs onto trucks or processing equipment. Both roles require safety training and operate in logging environments, but their equipment and specific tasks differ.

More about Skidder Driver jobs
What job categories do people searching Skidder Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Skidder Driver jobs are:
Infographic showing various Skidder Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,621 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Skid Steer/Mini Excavator Operator

Skid Steer/Mini Excavator Operator

Ten Mile

Washington, PA

$22 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Ten Mile is your industry leader in excavating, pipeline, road construction, paving and more!  We take pride in being a locally-owned and operated company that provides all the advantages of a large scale company, while maintaining our small town values. These values have been the foundation of our company, and continue to be the driving force behind our operation standards. 

Ten Mile is looking for individuals to add to our Pipeline Division with Skid Steer and Mini Excavator experience.  Other equipment knowledge is a plus and the willingness to assist in everyday labor tasks is required.  This position works heavily with Poly Pipe and Oil & Gas Reclamation.  Depending on experience, pay range for these positions are $22-$25/hr and a company truck may be included with job offer if assigned tasks will require. Steady year-round work with overtime.

What We Offer

  • Health and Vision insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k) Plans
  • Career progression

Ability to operate and/or learn various pieces of heavy equipment for site reclamation, road work, and right of way pipeline work including, but not limited to:

  • Dozer
  • Excavator
  • Roller
  • Skid Steer
  • Rock Truck
  • Grader
  • Skidder

CDL not required but is a plus.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2 years previous experience operating heavy equipment preferred;
  • Pass pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and criminal background check;
  • Ability to maintain a Medical Examiner's Certificate for DOT vehicles;
  • Be willing to work holidays, weekends and nights when necessary;
  • Ability to work overtime when required;
  • Properly follow all company policies and procedures for safe working procedures and environment;
  • Strictly adhere to safety requirements and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook;
  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated operations and production areas;
  • Perform daily inspections of equipment with appropriate documentation;
  • Thorough operational knowledge and skills of related equipment to be operated;
  • Display a professional and courteous attitude to customers, co-workers, supervisors, and the general public at all times;
  • Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as required;
  • Must keep equipment in a clean and orderly condition;
  • Follow directions of manager as to daily tasks and expectations for each specific project or jobsite;
  • Able to work in all weather conditions;
  • Perform general labor duties when necessary; 
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Report to work at the designated start time;
  • Great attention to detail and stress tolerance.

Environment
This position will require working outdoors in various climate conditions ranging from very cold with rain to very hot and humid. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high, with occasional periods of time exposed to machine noise.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.