How much does a tree faller make?
Answer: A typical tree faller in the United States makes $52,100 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 3,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Tree faller pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,180 | $52,100 | $82,360 | about 3,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, useful skills or certifications, and the employer and location can all affect a faller’s pay. Hours worked or different shifts can change total pay too.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a tree faller do?
Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.
What's a typical day like?
They clear an escape route, then use a chainsaw and wedges to guide a tree down. They may trim branches and cut the trunk into log lengths.
How to get this job
In the U.S., fallers usually have a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs accept less schooling. They learn forest safety and chainsaw skills on the job, with training lasting from a few days to a year.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Many fallers use handheld chainsaws in terrain too rough for large logging machines.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/logging-workers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/45-4021.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY