Logging Workers

Summary

What Logging Workers Do About this section

Logging workers use mechanical equipment to harvest trees.

Some logging workers harvest trees using handheld equipment or large machinery. Others inspect, grade, or estimate the market value of harvested trees, which provide the raw material for consumer and industrial products.

Duties

Logging workers typically do the following:

• Cut down trees using mechanical equipment or chain saws
• Operate machinery that moves logs
• Shear trees and cut logs into desired lengths
• Separate logs by species and type of wood and load them onto trucks
• Grade logs according to characteristics such as knot size and straightness
• Inspect equipment for safety and perform basic maintenance, as needed

Logging crews cut down trees and prepare them for transportation and eventual commercial use. The following are examples of types of logging workers:

Fallers cut down trees with hand-held power chain saws. They assess where they want a tree to fall and then determine the position, dimension, and depth of cuts to make. After cutting down the tree, a faller may cut off the top using hand-held power chain saws or other tools. Fallers typically work as part of logging operations where the terrain is inaccessible to large logging equipment.

Logging equipment operators use tree harvesters, or feller bunchers, to fell trees, shear off tree limbs, and cut trees into desired lengths. They drive tractors and operate self-propelled machines called skidders or forwarders, which drag or otherwise transport logs to a loading area. They also operate log loaders to sort and load logs onto trucks for transportation offsite. In addition, they may tend machines that chip up logs.

Log graders and scalers inspect logs for defects and measure the logs to determine their volume. They also estimate the value of logs or pulpwood. These workers often use hand-held data collection devices into which they enter data about trees.

Other logging workers may set up cable systems to move felled trees or use hand-held power chain saws and other tools to remove branches or bark from trees.

Work Environment About this section

Logging workers must follow safety measures and wear hardhats, face shields, and other protective gear.

Logging workers held about 49,800 jobs in 2023. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up logging workers was distributed as follows:

The largest employers of logging workers were as follows:

Log graders and scalers typically work in sawmills, wood product manufacturing settings, or lumber yards.

Logging is physically demanding and can be dangerous. Workers spend all of their time outdoors, sometimes in poor weather and often in isolated areas.

Logging work involves lifting, climbing, and other strenuous activities, although machinery has reduced some heavy labor.

Injuries and Illnesses

Despite the industry’s emphasis on safety, logging workers are sometimes injured on the job. Although fatalities are uncommon, logging workers experience one of the highest rates of occupational fatalities of all occupations. Most fatalities occur through contact with a machine or an object, such as a log.

Falling branches, vines, and rough terrain are constant hazards, as are risks associated with felling trees and handling logs. Chain saws and other power equipment also can be dangerous. Workers must take precautions and follow safety protocols, which often include wearing hardhats, safety glasses, and other personal protective equipment.

Work Schedules

Most logging workers are full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules may vary to include early mornings or extended shifts. Workers sometimes commute long distances between their homes and logging sites. Logging work may be seasonal in some regions of the country.

How to Become a Logging Worker About this section

Physical strength and stamina are important for some logging workers.

Logging workers typically need a high school diploma, although some jobs do not require a formal educational credential. These workers get on-the-job training to become familiar with forest environments and to learn how to operate logging machinery.

Education

Education requirements for logging workers vary. Some jobs do not require a formal educational credential, while others require a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Some vocational or technical schools and community colleges offer associate’s degrees or certificates related to logging or forest technology. Programs may include technical instruction and field sessions to observe logging activities or provide opportunities for students to gain experience operating logging equipment.

Training

Most logging workers learn their skills through on-the-job training. The length of training varies but may last up to a year.

Training typically covers topics such as safety, familiarization with logging practices, and training on logging machinery. Some sessions take place in the field, where trainees have the opportunity to practice various logging techniques and use particular equipment.

Training providers include state agencies, trade associations, and employers.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Some states require licensure or certification for certain logging workers. Requirements vary by state. For more information, contact your state licensing board.

In addition, logging companies and trade associations offer training for workers who operate large machinery and equipment. This training often culminates in a state-recognized safety certification from the logging company.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Logging workers must coordinate with other crew members so that they can harvest trees efficiently and safely.

Decision-making skills. Logging workers must be able to make judgment calls, sometimes quickly, especially when hazards arise.

Detail oriented. Logging workers must closely monitor tree conditions and follow instructions to safely harvest lumber.

Physical stamina. Logging workers need to be able to perform laborious tasks repeatedly.

Physical strength. Logging workers must be able to handle heavy equipment.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage for logging workers was $49,540 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,230, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,940.

Median annual wages for logging workers in May 2024 were as follows:

In May 2024, the median annual wages for logging workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Most logging workers are full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules may vary to include early mornings or extended shifts. Workers sometimes commute long distances between their homes and logging sites. Logging work may be seasonal in some regions of the country.

Job Outlook About this section

Overall employment of logging workers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2023 to 2033.

Despite declining employment, about 6,700 openings for logging workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

The mechanization of logging operations and improvements in logging equipment have increased productivity, which is expected to reduce demand for logging workers. However, the need to prevent destructive wildfires by thinning susceptible forests is expected to support some employment.

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

• Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For information about timber-cutting and logging careers, visit

Forest Resources Association

O*NET

Fallers

Log Graders and Scalers

Logging Equipment Operators

Logging Workers, All Other