People have many assumptions about the status of the logging industry. This could be due to the number of layoffs in the industry resulting from the economic downturn of the past few years. It is difficult to get exact information about the number of people who have lost their jobs because of the recession. This has created big differences between the number of people terminated and those that are being recruited. Moreover, it is undeniable that there are many problems in the logging industry that have caused a critical situation to exist.
Worker Enticements
In spite of this ongoing crisis, the logging industry is attempting to find creative ways to make it more enticing and appealing. In fact, future projections in Washington are expected to show progress being made, which is quite the opposite of what had been projected. The effort of logging companies to cope with the recession is actually praiseworthy and the annual revenue of the logging industry is reaching billions of dollars. To be exact, Atlanta is making $28 billion annually.
Common Problems
Some of the more common problems that are encountered by many workers when applying for jobs within the logging industry include the monthly salary, insurance premiums, health benefits, retirement packages, and compensation packages. On top of this, most potential employees have the impression that this is not a lucrative field in which to earn a good salary; yet the fact is that some logging companies are booming and will continue to grow in the global market.
There is also the problem of the effect of testing for drug abuse. For whatever reason, drug testing in this industry is putting a heavy price tag on keeping a reliable workforce. Contractors are finding it increasingly difficult to retain employees due to this one issue. On the plus side, those companies and contractors that enforce a drug-free workforce will pay reduced worker compensation premiums.
Increased Core Compensation
Five years ago, new employees shied away from applying for jobs in the logging industry because they were required to pay for certification programs and training for safety awareness just to work with forestry equipment without receiving any type of compensation for those incurred expenses. Additionally, the wages were rather low. The annual mean salary for a typical logger in United States ranges from $30,260 to $33,269.
Currently, the anticipated yearly salary for all logger jobs is expected to increase due to the tight competition in the global arena. The core annual compensation amount could reach up to $50,041 per employee. Core compensation includes: base salary; social security; 401K/403B plans; disability insurance; healthcare insurance; pension; and paid time off.
The logging industry has been clouded with negative notions brought on by the economic recession and the future remains uncertain for this particular business. Perceptions have existed that this was an unstable working environment because the monthly salary was low with minimal benefits and too many requirements to be certified to do this work. This type of business is losing its appeal because of the upswing battle against the global market. Yet, due to new regulations, strategies, employee benefits, innovations such as bio-fuels and better forestry equipment, working in the logging industry has become more appealing. This can only hope to give the logging industry a brighter future!