Thread: How Much to Charge Someone For Helping To Mill

Originally Posted by thumbsucker

I have been asked to help someone mill logs on an ongoing bases using a bandsaw mill - they me to need help and they want to train up.

I am not a miller I have done it twice so I will be learning on he job. However I am experienced woodworker.

They have asked how much I want per hour for my service but I have no clue what the rate is.

So how much do you pay your sawmill worker per hour?

I would say maybe minimum wage plus a bit considering you’re previous experience, an age[emoji6].

Then once your up too speed maybe a bit more,but that would depend on what there expectations they have of you,
Ie: just helping out hear an there, or do they want you learning too operate the mill, change blades be in charge extra.

Cheers Matt.

$60 an hour.

Big jump between minimum wage + casual loading which comes to about $30 per hour to the $60 per hour as Paige suggested.Any other?

Depends on if it is under the radar or not. Also raises issues about work cover etc for the "employer."

There are awards that cover off on "formal employment" arrangements. - Timber Industry Award [MA000071] - Fair Work Ombudsman so you would look at the harvesting and forestry management; and the milling and processing sections of the award.

There is also a Pay Calculator available - P.A.C.T Home - (fairwork.gov.au)

Using the calculator someone who is working in "Forest Products" "milling & Processing", & "not in a forest" with little experience would receive $19.86ph without penalties.

Moby - most helpful.

It very much depends on what you will be doing. As an offsider (tailer) you would expect to be getting $30/h. If you are operating loaders or forklifts you would be entitled to machine operator rates $35/h or heavy machinery if over 20 ton $45/h. These rates are approx.

TS

So much depends on what the person anticipates you doing. From your point of view I would want to know what machinery they have to assist in loading logs onto the mill. As the machine is a bandsaw, the logs almost certainly are lifted (the height of the bed will vary depending on the brand), but if milling hardwood the tailing aspect can also be physically demanding.

In this regard we are back to your physical capabilities. Are you milling in one spot or travelling around? If in one spot you may have or be able to set up devices to minimise the labour such as simple rollers. Too many questions without knowing the type of operation you are entering.

I will leave you with this thought: A cubic meter of green Australian hardwood on average will weigh one tonne.

Regards
Paul