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Environment, Nature, & AnimalsDeclining

Faller

Operational-level

Also known as: All-Round Logger, Arborist, Arborist Assistant, Arborist Climber

Environment, Nature, & AnimalsBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Faller, you work outdoors in all types of weather, using axes or chainsaws to fell trees. You'll use your knowledge of tree characteristics and precise cutting techniques to control the direction of a tree's fall, aiming to minimize damage. Expect to wear common safety equipment like hard hats, glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, as you'll be exposed to hazardous equipment and loud noises while standing for long periods. This role suits someone who enjoys physical work outdoors, can tolerate noise, and is committed to safety and decision-making.
ForestryLoggingArboricultureNatural Resource ManagementEnvironmental ScienceConservationSkilled TradesOutdoorsNatureAgricultural

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-9.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

500

per year (US)

Jobs today

4,300

in 2025 → 3,900 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
Moderate
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
Low
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
High

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The outlook for Fallers is declining, with employment projected to decrease by 9.9% through 2035. About 500 job openings are expected each year, and the median annual wage is around $52,100. People typically enter this field with a high school diploma and can advance to roles such as logging supervisor or arborist.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Aide-forestier
  • Ouvrier forestier
  • Jardinier

Where it can lead

  • Superviseur d'exploitation forestière
  • Garde forestier
  • Arboriculteur

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely introduce autonomous machinery for simpler felling tasks, potentially reducing the demand for manual fallers in those specific areas. For more complex or hazardous felling, AI will primarily augment fallers' capabilities by providing advanced risk assessment, optimal strategy recommendations, and enabling safer remote operations. This will shift the faller's role towards operating and managing sophisticated AI-powered tools and systems, rather than purely manual felling.