Fallers
Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.
Also called: All Round Logger, Arborist Climber, Axman, Bucker, Chain Saw Operator, Climbing Arborist
Median pay
$52,100
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,180 – $82,360
People employed
3,130
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 7.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 8.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Fallers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (18 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What fallers do
- 01Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.
- 02Control 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.
- 03Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.
- 04Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.
- 05Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.
- 06Insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from fallers
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners86% · −2%
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood84% · −18%
- Rock Splitters, Quarry84% · −6%
- Hoist and Winch Operators82% · +8%
- Helpers--Extraction Workers82% · −8%
Change into fallers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners86% · $50,960
- Dredge Operators79% · $49,640
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood79% · $42,770
- Helpers--Extraction Workers78% · $47,730
- Hoist and Winch Operators78% · $56,450