How to become a chain saw and skidder operator
Official title: Chain saw and skidder operators
Also called: Skidder operator, Cable skidder operator, Grapple skidder operator, Logging tractor operator, Skidder operator - logging, Chain saw operator - logging, Bucker, Faller, Feller, Logger, Log cutter, Lumberjack
Chain saw and skidder operators operate chain saws to fell, delimb and buck trees, and operate skidders to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.
Main tasks
- Operate chain saw to fell, delimb and buck trees at the logging site and loading area
- Operate cable, or grapple skidder to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation
- Assess site, terrain and weather conditions before felling and yarding trees
- May work as member of a team rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation
- May maintain and perform minor repairs on skidders, chain saws and other equipment
How to become one
Completion of secondary school may be required. Completion of a college program for forest workers may be required. Formal training in chain saw operation and maintenance and several months of on-the-job training are usually provided. Previous experience as a logging and forestry labourer or logging machine operator may be required. Experience requirements vary depending on the type and location of woodlands operations. Provincial certification or a forest worker program certificate is required in some provinces. Trade certification for fallers is available, but voluntary in Quebec. Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and first aid certificates may be required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,500 a year The middle half earn $48,750 to $68,250.
- About 4,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 4,500 are projected by 2033. (+7.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a chain saw and skidder operator?
Completion of secondary school may be required. Completion of a college program for forest workers may be required. Formal training in chain saw operation and maintenance and several months of on-the-job training are usually provided. Previous experience as a logging and forestry labourer or logging machine operator may be required. Experience requirements vary depending on the type and location of woodlands operations. Provincial certification or a forest worker program certificate is required in some provinces. Trade certification for fallers is available, but voluntary in Quebec. Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and first aid certificates may be required.
How much does a chain saw and skidder operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $48,750 to $68,250.
Is a chain saw and skidder operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2033, from about 4,200 to about 4,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a chain saw and skidder operator?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03