Sawing Machine Operator

Your Fit

Income

$40K

Preparation

Some

Growth

0.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Sawing Machine Operator?

Sawing Machine Operators are skilled technicians who operate and maintain various types of saws to cut and shape materials, primarily wood, but also metal and plastic. They play a critical role in manufacturing and construction industries, ensuring precise cuts and contributing to the production of a wide range of goods.

Sample job titles:

Resaw Operator, Rip Saw Operator, Saw Operator, Sawyer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Sawing Machine Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Sawing Machine Operator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$30K per year	$36K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$57K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.55K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Sawing Machine Operator do?

Work environment

These operators typically work in manufacturing plants, workshops, or construction sites. The environment can be noisy and may involve exposure to dust or fumes. Safety precautions are paramount due to the risks associated with operating heavy and potentially dangerous machinery.

Quick task list

Operates different types of sawing machines, like band saws and circular saws.
Sets up machines according to specifications for each job.
Inspects and maintains equipment to ensure safe operation.
Measures and marks materials to be cut.
Monitors the sawing process to maintain quality and precision.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Lumber Mill Sawing: Specializing in cutting logs into lumber in mills.
Metal Fabrication Sawing: Focusing on cutting metal materials for construction or manufacturing.
Precision Woodworking: Specializing in fine, detailed cuts for woodworking projects.
CNC Sawing: Operating computer-controlled saws for high precision tasks.

Description

Sawing Machine Operators must understand the properties of the materials they work with and the specifics of the saws they operate. They need to read and interpret job orders, set up machines correctly, and make adjustments as necessary. Precision and attention to detail are crucial, as is adherence to safety protocols.

Their work requires physical stamina and dexterity, as well as the ability to work in a noisy and sometimes dusty environment. Operators must be vigilant about wearing appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection.

Advancements in technology, such as CNC machinery, are increasingly important in this field, allowing for greater precision and efficiency. Operators must be willing to continuously learn and adapt to new techniques and machinery.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The precision and skill involved in making accurate cuts.
The tangible results of their work, contributing to the creation of various products.
Opportunities to work with a variety of materials and machinery.
The technical challenge of operating and maintaining complex machinery.

You might make a good Sawing Machine Operator if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on precision.
Comfortable with operating heavy machinery.
Able to follow safety protocols diligently.
Interested in working with materials like wood, metal, or plastic.
Physically fit, with good hand-eye coordination.

Pros:

Steady demand in various industries.
Opportunities to work on diverse projects.
Job satisfaction from creating tangible products.

Cons:

Risk of injury from machinery.
Physically demanding work.
Potential for repetitive tasks.

How to become a Sawing Machine Operator

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient, with most skills acquired through on-the-job training. Some may opt for vocational training or apprenticeships for more specialized roles.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes, particularly woodworking or metalworking.
Basic math courses for measurements and calculations.
Technical education or vocational courses, if available.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a maker's club or workshop.
Participating in construction or craft projects.
Volunteering in community building or repair projects.

Preparation after high school

Technical or vocational training in machine operation.
Apprenticeships in manufacturing or construction.
Certification programs for specific types of machinery, like CNC saws.

More resources

Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America - Industry news and education.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Safety guidelines and training resources.
National Association of Manufacturers - Networking and training opportunities.
American Wood Council - Resources for woodworking professionals.

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