Occupation · SOC 51-7041
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Set up, operate, or tend wood sawing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment. Includes lead sawyers.
Median wage
$39,950
$29,670–$56,560
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
43,140
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
55 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringCritical ThinkingTime ManagementJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment MaintenanceActive ListeningSpeakingRepairingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionActive LearningSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisMathematicsManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesInstructingEquipment SelectionService OrientationPersuasionOperations AnalysisNegotiationWritingManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesInstallationTechnology DesignScienceProgramming
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingMechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageDesignEngineering and TechnologyBuilding and ConstructionPsychologyComputers and ElectronicsTransportationTelecommunicationsAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceSociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryCommunications and MediaLaw and GovernmentChemistryForeign LanguageSales and MarketingPhysicsAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingPersonnel and Human ResourcesGeographyBiologyPhilosophy and TheologyTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionFine Arts
Technology & tools
Adobe AcrobatAutomated inventory softwareComputerized numerical control CNC softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word
Representative tasks
Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentTraining and Teaching OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDeveloping and Building TeamsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkScheduling Work and ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProcessing InformationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesWorking with ComputersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentAnalyzing Data or InformationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationStaffing Organizational UnitsSelling or Influencing Others
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Rulers, squares, and caliper rules — use to measure and mark workpieces for cuts under direct supervisor guidance on the production floor.Circular saws and band saws — operate following step-by-step instructions to cut wood to specified dimensions in a supervised shop environment.Saw blades and attachments — mount and bolt to machine shafts with assistance, following established safety protocols.Handwheels, pedals, and levers — adjust to set blade position under technician direction before beginning a cutting run.Raw lumber stock — inspect visually for obvious surface defects and imperfections with guidance from an experienced operator.Workpieces — guide against saw blades using basic hand technique under close supervision to produce straight cuts.Machine jams — recognize and report to a supervisor promptly during routine sawing operations.Wrenches and basic hand tools — use to perform simple blade adjustments following written maintenance instructions.Personal protective equipment and shop safety rules — apply consistently at all times on the production floor.Inventory management software — enter basic production counts and material usage data under supervisor direction.
developing
Caliper rules and squares — apply independently to measure and verify cut accuracy across a variety of workpiece sizes in a production mill setting.Multiple-blade sawing machines and ripsaws — set up and operate routinely with minimal oversight to meet daily dimensional specifications.Blade tension and machine speed controls — monitor and adjust during production runs to maintain cut quality and prevent equipment faults.Worn or defective saw blades — replace using hand tools following standard maintenance schedules without supervisor prompting.Lumber stock — grade and estimate quality by inspecting for knots, warping, and grain irregularities to sort material before cutting.Automatic feeding devices — operate and configure to guide workpieces through consistent cutting cycles on familiar material types.Common machine jams and misfeeds — troubleshoot and clear using established procedures to minimize production downtime.Saw blades — sharpen using appropriate tools and techniques on a routine maintenance cycle to sustain cutting performance.Industrial control software — use to monitor machine parameters and log operational data during standard production shifts.Cut dimension records — document accurately using spreadsheet software to support quality tracking and material yield reporting.
proficient
Scroll saws, crozer machines, and multi-blade systems — set up and operate autonomously across varied wood species and complex cut profiles in high-volume production.Blade alignment, tension, and feed rate — diagnose and correct non-routine equipment issues to restore dimensional accuracy with minimal production loss.Workpiece measurements and finished cuts — verify against engineering specifications using precision instruments to ensure consistent quality control compliance.Stock grading and defect assessment — perform independently across full material lots to optimize yield and minimize waste on the shop floor.Machine performance patterns — analyze over production runs to identify recurring faults and recommend preventive maintenance actions.Blade sharpening and replacement procedures — execute across multiple saw types using correct tools and techniques, adapting to varying blade geometries.Safety hazards and near-miss incidents — identify, assess, and address proactively to maintain a safe operating environment for all personnel.Production throughput and cut accuracy data — review using spreadsheet and document management software to support process improvement decisions.New operators and trainees — demonstrate proper workpiece handling, machine setup, and safety practices in side-by-side on-the-job coaching sessions.Non-standard or complex workpieces — guide through saws using advanced hand technique and custom jig setups to achieve precise results.
advanced
Sawing machine setup standards and operating procedures — develop and implement across the full production department to drive consistency and output quality.Blade maintenance programs and replacement schedules — design and oversee facility-wide to reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment service life.Quality control inspection criteria — establish and communicate for all wood-cutting operations, ensuring alignment with customer and regulatory requirements.Emerging sawing technologies and machinery — evaluate and recommend for adoption to improve throughput, precision, and worker safety at the organizational level.Production operators and machine tenders — mentor, assess, and develop across all skill levels to build a capable and self-sufficient shop workforce.Cross-functional production, maintenance, and safety teams — lead in diagnosing systemic equipment and workflow problems and implementing lasting solutions.Industrial control and inventory management software — direct the configuration and use of across the department to improve data-driven operational decision-making.Workplace safety culture and hazard mitigation strategies — champion and reinforce organization-wide to reduce injury rates and ensure regulatory compliance.Material yield metrics and waste reduction initiatives — analyze and lead improvement efforts using production data to lower costs and increase profitability.Departmental performance goals and productivity targets — set, track, and communicate to production teams, aligning daily operations with organizational business objectives.
Also known as
187 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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