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ANZSCO 711313Updated 2026-01-29

Sawmilling Operator

National shortage level: Strong

Snapshot

Median pay: AUD 80k
Weekly earnings: AUD 1540
Salary range: AUD 72k-AUD 88k
Job ads trend: Not listed
Time to hire: Varies
Visa pathways: Check eligibility

State distribution

30.6%
NSW
25.6%
QLD
16.7%
VIC

Education mix

36.4%
year 10 and below
23.8%
certificate iii/ iv
18.9%
year 12

Role overview

Sawmilling Operators set up and operate machines to cut logs into planks of standard sizes.

What you do
  • Adjusts and cleans machines and performs minor repairs.
  • Secures timber into place and sets saws to produce specified sizes of plank and board to be cut.
  • Starts machines and feeds stock onto cutting saws, and operates automatic feeding mechanisms.

Core skills

    Credentials & pathway

    • Recommended level: year 10 and below (36.4%)

    Recent job ads

    No ads listed yet.

    Tasks

    • Adjusts and cleans machines and performs minor repairs.
    • Checks saws and other machines for safety, sharpness and correct functioning.
    • Controls lathes and slicing machines to produce veneers, and laminates veneers using glue.

    Earnings

    Weekly median: AUD 1540
    Annual median: AUD 80k
    Range: AUD 72k-AUD 88k