How much does a tree faller make?
a year · about $25 an hour
A typical tree faller in the United States makes $52,100 a year, about $25 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Many fallers use handheld chainsaws in terrain too rough for large logging machines.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,180 and $82,360How do you become one?
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.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Oregon ($84,490), lowest in Indiana ($26,210).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $84,490 | about 180 |
| Idaho | $78,330 | about 190 |
| Washington | $77,340 | — |
| South Carolina | $76,350 | about 130 |
| Arkansas | $67,060 | — |
Official definition: Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.
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