Before making a single cut, a faller appraises a tree for twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, gauges the direction and amount of lean, and clears brush from escape routes, then saws the back-cut and retreats to safety as the tree comes down. Afterward, the trunk gets measured and cut, or bucked, into specified log lengths using chainsaws and axes. The work is highly structured around established safety procedures but still demands real independent judgment tree by tree, since no two trees fall exactly the same way; fallers typically work as part of a logging crew alongside equipment operators. It's physically demanding outdoor work in all weather with real exposure to hazardous equipment, and a high school diploma plus on-the-job training or apprenticeship is the standard path in.
Pros
Pay can reach over $82k at the top of the range despite only needing a high school diploma
High degree of independent judgment, reading each tree's lean and characteristics before cutting
Physically active outdoor work built around a clear, tangible skill (felling large trees safely)
Cons
Among the smallest and fastest-shrinking fields in the batch: about 700 jobs, down 7.3% projected
One of the more physically dangerous trades, requiring a split-second escape after every cut
Constant outdoor exposure to weather, noise, and heavy, hazardous equipment
A typical day
The crew is on the landing at first light, and the faller's day starts by sizing up the first tree: lean, wind, rot at the base, escape routes cleared before the saw ever starts. The undercut is placed to aim the fall, the back cut leaves precise hinge wood, and the faller is moving up the escape path as the trunk commits — then the ground shakes. Between trees there is constant saw maintenance, chain sharpening, and reading the stand ahead. Weather calls the shots; wind past a safe limit ends the cutting day, because this is among the most dangerous jobs in America and the good ones treat it that way.
Tasks at the job
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.
Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens primarily outdoors, exposed to whatever the weather is doing, and most of the day is spent on your feet. Noise levels can be distracting or uncomfortable. The role involves regular exposure to hazardous equipment or conditions and contaminants, and standard protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, and similar) is expected.
You're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. The work is highly structured, following set procedures.
Education necessary or common
High school diploma; some on-the-job training or apprenticeship
Licenses & certifications
Chainsaw safety certification (Game of Logging or equivalent)