Logging Equipment Operators Salary by State
The national median pay for logging equipment operators is $49,740 a year. By state, it ranges from $30,230 in Kentucky to $75,140 in Washington.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $35,170
- 25th percentile
- $43,970
- Median
- $49,740
- 75th percentile
- $61,050
- Top 10%
- $74,300
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 21,060 jobs.
Median pay in 36 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $75,140 | +51% | $61,300 | $83,750 | 1,150 |
| 2 | Illinois | $71,100 | +43% | $39,990 | $92,490 | 40 |
| 3 | Texas | $62,890 | +26% | $32,280 | $72,770 | 500 |
| 4 | California | $61,940 | +25% | $50,370 | $126,510 | 950 |
| 5 | South Dakota | $58,740 | +18% | $45,170 | $59,330 | 50 |
| 6 | Oregon | $58,720 | +18% | $47,580 | $74,620 | 1,860 |
| 7 | Louisiana | $58,600 | +18% | $43,410 | $78,530 | 770 |
| 8 | Minnesota | $58,590 | +18% | $46,800 | $59,760 | 320 |
| 9 | Montana | $56,530 | +14% | $47,490 | $89,800 | 190 |
| 10 | Idaho | $56,490 | +14% | $42,660 | $77,550 | 560 |
| 11 | Vermont | $52,910 | +6% | $35,140 | $68,140 | 60 |
| 12 | New Hampshire | $51,540 | +4% | $29,060 | $72,370 | 170 |
| 13 | Ohio | $50,590 | +2% | $39,020 | $58,280 | 260 |
| 14 | Wyoming | $49,650 | 0% | $23,990 | $61,280 | 40 |
| 15 | Colorado | $49,620 | 0% | $42,170 | $87,930 | 70 |
| 16 | Mississippi | $49,620 | 0% | $35,550 | $60,150 | 1,220 |
| 17 | Florida | $49,370 | −1% | $37,440 | $62,760 | 770 |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $48,960 | −2% | $48,040 | $74,010 | Not published |
| 19 | North Carolina | $48,420 | −3% | $37,800 | $78,010 | 990 |
| 20 | Arkansas | $48,280 | −3% | $28,990 | $65,000 | 1,280 |
| 21 | Alabama | $47,810 | −4% | $29,180 | $65,560 | 1,860 |
| 22 | South Carolina | $47,650 | −4% | $37,910 | $65,320 | 920 |
| 23 | Michigan | $47,610 | −4% | $38,320 | $62,190 | 860 |
| 24 | New York | $47,540 | −4% | $36,770 | $65,670 | 290 |
| 25 | Maryland | $47,530 | −4% | $31,200 | $67,800 | 60 |
| 26 | Pennsylvania | $46,880 | −6% | $31,050 | $60,500 | 360 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $46,360 | −7% | $33,220 | $62,090 | 480 |
| 28 | Indiana | $46,320 | −7% | $36,360 | $58,110 | 150 |
| 29 | Tennessee | $46,310 | −7% | $30,460 | $61,310 | 400 |
| 30 | Virginia | $46,090 | −7% | $30,980 | $72,220 | 570 |
| 31 | Georgia | $45,080 | −9% | $33,560 | $74,520 | 1,620 |
| 32 | Maine | $44,780 | −10% | $39,250 | $58,870 | 830 |
| 33 | Missouri | $41,770 | −16% | $34,730 | $76,620 | 140 |
| 34 | Oklahoma | $37,270 | −25% | $31,460 | $57,880 | 130 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $36,130 | −27% | $29,270 | $63,590 | 310 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $30,230 | −39% | $20,800 | $51,460 | 300 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Logging Equipment Operators salary questions
Which state pays logging equipment operators the most?
Washington, with a median of $75,140 a year (+51% vs. the national median of $49,740). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays logging equipment operators the least?
Kentucky, with a median of $30,230 a year (−39% vs. national).
Where do most logging equipment operators work?
Oregon has the most jobs, about 1,860, with a median of $58,720.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.