A wavelength-tunable, efficient, and high-average power single diode-pumped continuons wave (CW) Yb:SSO laser is reported. A maximum output power of 8.8 W at 1 062.6 nm is obtained using the absorbed pump power of 11.7 W, which corresponds to a slope efficiency of 85.5% and an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 48.9%. The wavelength tuning of the Yb:SSO laser pumped by the 976-nm LD is also investigated. The results show the tuning range from 1 002.30 to 1 068.47 nm, which corresponds to a tunability range of 66.17 nm.