Logging Industry Workers

Employment for most logging and timber cutting workers is expected to decline 14 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Despite this outlook, there should continue to be good employment opportunities for logging industry workers as a result of steady turnover in the field. The DOL reports that "some fallers will continue to be needed to fell trees on slopes that cannot be accessed by large machinery. Additionally, the need to prevent destructive wildfires by thinning susceptible forests may result in some new jobs."

A career as a logger can be dangerous and physically demanding, which causes many people to leave the field for other occupations. Additionally, this field is prone to layoffs, which may cause some loggers to pursue employment in more stable industries. Some openings will also arise as workers retire. Loggers with mechanical skills, some postsecondary training, and experience will have the best chances of landing a job.

Although demand for wood products is expected to increase, improvements in machinery and other technology will make it possible to increase production within the industry without hiring new workers. Additionally, increasing mechanization should limit employment opportunities for fallers, buckers, and choke setters. Workers in less labor-intensive positions, such as tree harvesting, skidding, and log-handling equipment operators, should have better prospects.