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Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-2DxR47ot8.
Quick Facts: Logging Workers
2023 Median Pay $48,910 per year
$23.52 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2023 49,800
Job Outlook, 2023-33 -4% (Decline)
Employment Change, 2023-33 -2,200

What Logging Workers Do

Logging workers harvest trees to provide the raw material for many consumer goods and industrial products.

Work Environment

Logging is physically demanding and can be dangerous. Workers spend all their time outdoors, sometimes in poor weather and often in isolated areas. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Logging Worker

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.

Pay

The median annual wage for logging workers was $48,910 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

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.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for logging workers.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of logging workers with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about logging workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Logging Workers Do About this section

Logging worker operating equipment to pick up fallen trees in the forest.
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 worker wearing a hardhat, face shield, and protective clothing while cutting a tree with a chainsaw.
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:

Logging equipment operators 34,100
Fallers 6,900
Log graders and scalers 5,200
Logging workers, all other 3,700

The largest employers of logging workers were as follows:

Logging 47%
Self-employed workers 30
Sawmills and wood preservation 11
Landscaping services 4

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

Logging worker in protective gear bending down to cut the base of a tree with a chainsaw.
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

Logging Workers

Median annual wages, May 2023

Logging workers

$48,910

Total, all occupations

$48,060

Forest, conservation, and logging workers

$46,910

 

The median annual wage for logging workers was $48,910 in May 2023. 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 $31,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,890.

Median annual wages for logging workers in May 2023 were as follows:

Fallers $53,170
Logging workers, all other 52,480
Logging equipment operators 48,240
Log graders and scalers 45,600

In May 2023, the median annual wages for logging workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Logging $50,580
Landscaping services 48,750
Sawmills and wood preservation 40,400

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

Logging Workers

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Total, all occupations

4%

Forest, conservation, and logging workers

-4%

Logging workers

-4%

 

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.

Employment projections data for logging workers, 2023-33
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2023 Projected Employment, 2033 Change, 2023-33 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Logging workers

45-4020 49,800 47,600 -4 -2,200 Get data

Fallers

45-4021 6,900 6,300 -8 -600 Get data

Logging equipment operators

45-4022 34,100 32,800 -4 -1,300 Get data

Log graders and scalers

45-4023 5,200 5,100 -2 -100 Get data

Logging workers, all other

45-4029 3,700 3,400 -7 -300 Get data

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(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

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.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of logging workers.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Conservation scientists and foresters Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

Bachelor's degree $68,300
Construction equipment operators Construction Equipment Operators

Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings, and other structures.

High school diploma or equivalent $55,270
Forest and conservation workers Forest and Conservation Workers

Forest and conservation workers perform physical labor to improve the quality of natural areas such as forests, rangelands, and wetlands.

High school diploma or equivalent $33,940
Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Logging Workers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/logging-workers.htm (visited March 16, 2025).

Last Modified Date: Monday, February 3, 2025

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2023

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2023-33

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

Employment Change, 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.