Faller Salary Guide 2025: Median $52,100, Top States Pay Over $84,000
The median annual salary for fallers—the workers who cut down trees—is $52,100, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% earn $82,360 or more, while the bottom 10% make $35,180 or less. With only 3,130 fallers employed nationwide and a forecasted decline of 7.3% over the next decade, this is a niche occupation that pays well for those who can do the dangerous work.
How much Fallers earn
The mean hourly wage for fallers is $25, or about $57,110 annually. Half of all fallers earn between $35,180 (10th percentile) and $82,360 (90th percentile). The relatively high top-end pay reflects the skill and risk involved—falling trees is one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Oregon tops the list with an average salary of $84,490, followed by Idaho ($78,330), Washington ($77,340), South Carolina ($76,350), and Arkansas ($67,060). On the low end, Georgia pays $39,380, New York pays $36,190, and Indiana brings up the rear at $26,210. The difference between highest and lowest state is nearly $60,000.
How to become Faller
Most fallers learn through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship, often with a logging company. No formal education beyond high school is required, though a high school diploma or GED is typical. Key steps include:
- Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Get hired by a logging company or forestry contractor; many provide paid training.
- Complete safety training and earn industry certifications (e.g., Game of Logging, S-212 chainsaw certification).
- Gain experience felling trees under supervision—usually 1–2 years to become fully proficient.
- Some states require a commercial driver's license (CDL) to transport equipment.
Job outlook
Employment of fallers is projected to decline 7.3% from 2024 to 2034—a loss of about 230 jobs—driven by mechanization and automation in timber harvesting. However, about 700 openings are expected each year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Because the workforce is small, competition for the remaining manual-felling jobs can be tight, but skilled fallers still find work in rugged terrain where machines can't operate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a faller?
Entry-level fallers typically earn around $35,180 per year, the 10th percentile. Pay rises quickly with experience.
Do fallers need a degree?
No college degree required. Most fallers learn through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or short courses. A high school diploma is usually sufficient.
Is faller a dangerous job?
Yes—felling trees is consistently ranked among the most dangerous occupations in the U.S. due to risk of chainsaw injuries, falling trees, and working in remote terrain.
Will fallers be replaced by machines?
Partially. Mechanized harvesters are reducing demand for manual fallers, leading to a projected 7.3% employment decline. But stubbornly steep or rocky slopes still require hand felling.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Fallers data.