5 Reason Why You Should Love Logging as a Job

Loggers are one of the most misunderstood professionals, and oftentimes, they are thought of as no more than guys with chainsaws who cut down trees. However, this occupation requires not only brute strength, but also the knowledge in operating heavy machinery safely, securing timber, and shaping it into raw material that will be used by several industries that use wood to produce their goods.

To help you reconsider this amazing job, here are five benefits of logging.

Specialized Training Program

Gone are the days when someone is simply handed over a chainsaw to be called a logger. Forestry has a well-established training and qualification system to help aspiring loggers know the ins and outs of this industry.

One of the first lessons is chainsaw maintenance and cutting on the skid. Then, it’s about operating and management training. Operating a chainsaw is extremely hazardous, even when working in safe conditions — you’re utilizing a piece of equipment too close to your body. Therefore, the safe operation should be of the highest importance.

There are formal training sessions available for newbies, such as the Chainsaw Safety (OSHA) Online Course that covers basic chainsaw safety in regard to tree falling, tree trimming, disaster clean-up, forestry, among others. This training course complies with the rules and regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

While logging does not require a college degree, the training it takes to learn the craft and hone one’s skills as a logger makes it quite a demanding occupation.

Financial Rewards

Logging can be a financially rewarding occupation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), loggers, on average, earn just north of $20 per hour or about $42,000 per year. Log graders and equipment operators earn as much as $16 per hour or roughly $34,000 annually.

With the right attitude, you can earn this much in the logging game. If you’re a fast learner or if you show potential, rotating different roles in the crew, you can earn more and add a lot of value to your career.

Breathtaking Scenery

Logging is a very rewarding occupation, especially because it gives you a front-row seat to stunning landscapes and scenery. Loggers are given the opportunity to marvel at beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers — the things most of us have to plan a trip for in order to witness.

Working outside is excellent for your eyes, not only because it allows you to see nature’s charm, but also because it helps you de-stress. It's so easy to take a quick break and look at greeneries and the landscape. Enjoying the outdoor view helps reduce your eyes' stress and lower the risk of getting a headache.

Physical Benefits

Working at a logging site every day allows you to burn calories… lots of calories. Activities such as tree falling, manual processing, and log making are like working out in the gym, allowing you to develop endurance, stamina, and not to mention, a rock-hard body.

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that your body produces when it’s directly exposed to sunlight. According to studies, sunlight provides 90 percent of our Vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium and increase immune system function. Loggers get a daily dose of this important vitamin, eliminating to take over-the-counter Vitamin D capsules just to get these benefits.

Amazing Machines

Logging uses some of the most incredible machines you will ever see — hands down. Working at a logging site allows you to drive loaders, bulldozers, processors, and skidders — powerful machines that very few of us get to drive. You can’t compare driving your car with operating one of these bad boys!

Boost in Local Economy

Today, more and more logging companies have sustainable commercial plantation forests. They supply countless jobs for local residents, such as planters, loggers, truck drivers, mill workers, heavy equipment operators, among others.

These jobs help boost the economic status of the community. The harvested trees are used to produce timber, firewood, paper, packaging, and other products we use on a daily basis. When we use more timber products, it means we use less plastic, which is better for the environment.