Fallers
SOC Code: 45-4021Also known as:
All-Round Logger, Arborist, Arborist Assistant, Arborist Climber, Arborist Representative
Median Annual Salary
$53,900
-7.3% growth (2024-2034)
700
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What Fallers 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.
💰 Salary
$53,900
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-7.3%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
700
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,600
Projected Employment (2034)
5,200
Related Careers
Tree trimmers and pruners
$50,430 •
+3.3% growth
Forest and conservation workers
$43,680 •
-4.7% growth
Logging equipment operators
$49,210 •
-1.4% growth
Log graders and scalers
$46,710 •
-0.7% growth
Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood
$39,950 •
-0.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.
- Appraise trees for certain characteristics, such as twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, and gauge amount and direction of lean, to determine how to control the direction of a tree's fall with the least damage.
- Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.
- Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.
- Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.
- Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.
- Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.
- Control the direction of a tree's fall by scoring cutting lines with axes, sawing undercuts along scored lines with chainsaws, knocking slabs from cuts with single-bit axes, and driving wedges.
- Trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.
- Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fallers make?
The median annual salary for fallers is $53,900.
What education do fallers need?
Most fallers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming fallers a good career choice?
Fallers is projected to see -7.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for fallers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to fallers?
Fallers may also be known as: All-Round Logger, Arborist, Arborist Assistant, Arborist Climber, Arborist Representative, Axman, Certified Arborist, Chain Saw Operator, Climbing Arborist, Cross Cut Sawyer, Cutter Operator, Hewer, High Climber, Logger, Lumberjack, Lumberman, Paper Wood Cutter, Pulpwood Cutter, Sales Arborist, Sawyer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.