How do I become a sawyer?
Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related occupations
Paper Mill Worker
A Paper Mill Worker handles raw materials, operates machinery, and ensures safety while producing, cutting, and packaging paper, requiring teamwork and physical fitness.
Paper Mill Operator
A Paper Mill Operator runs machinery, mixes chemicals, cuts and packs paper, follows safety procedures, and performs manual tasks like lifting in a team environment.
Woodchipper
A Woodchipper operates machinery to produce woodchip, ensuring timber quality and safety, requiring physical fitness, teamwork, and adherence to procedures.
Saw Doctor
A Saw Doctor repairs and maintains saws and related machinery, ensuring safety and precision, requiring technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication.
Wood Processing Machine Operator
A Wood Processing Machine Operator uses equipment to treat, prepare, and produce timber, ensuring safety, teamwork, and accuracy in technical tasks.
Production Supervisor (Timber Systems)
A Production Supervisor (Timber Systems) oversees safe, efficient timber operations, manages staff, ensures training, and upholds industry standards and compliance.
Timber Systems Designer
A Timber Systems Designer creates production processes and designs for timber products, using technical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication.
Saw Technician
A Saw Technician repairs and maintains sawmilling equipment, ensuring safe operation, replacing faulty parts, and performing scheduled servicing with attention to detail.
Timber Yard Worker
A Timber Yard Worker measures, processes, loads, and moves timber, while focusing on safety, teamwork, and handling heavy manual tasks in a timber yard.
Timber Salesperson
A Timber Salesperson sells timber products, liaises with clients, prepares quotes, processes payments, and organises deliveries while providing excellent customer service.
Timber Dispatch Coordinator
A Timber Dispatch Coordinator schedules and coordinates timber deliveries, liaises with customers and drivers, manages paperwork, and ensures orders are correct.
Common questions
How much does a Sawyer earn?
In Australia, a full time Sawyer generally earns $1,400 per week ($72,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Sawyer?
The number of people working in this industry has decreased over the last five years. There are currently 1,400 people employed in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Sawyer. Sawyers may find work in regions of Australia where timber processing facilities are located.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Sawyer?
A Certificate III in Sawmilling and Processing is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Sawyer. This course covers topics including machine operation, quality control and materials assessment. You’ll be able to specialise in an area relevant to your career plans such as log yard and materials preparation, sawing and operations, grading and testing, timber drying and treatments, sawdoctoring and woodchipping.