85120 – Logging and forestry labourers
Lead statement
Logging and forestry labourers perform a variety of manual tasks such as attaching choker cables to logs, planting trees, clearing brush, spraying chemicals, cleaning up landing areas and assisting other workers in woodlands operations.
Main duties
- Assist other workers at logging sites
- Attach chokers or cables to felled trees for yarding
- Plant trees using manual tools
- Spray herbicides from the ground using manual spraying equipment
- Clear trails through woodlands using chain saws
- Clean up landing areas at logging sites.
Employment requirements
- Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) certificate may be required.
- Completion of secondary school may be required.
- Chemicals application licence may be required.
- Completion of pre-employment safety courses may be required.
- Several weeks of formal and on-the-job training are provided.
Example job titles
boom worker - logging · boom worker - mill pond · boom man/woman · boom worker · cable hooker - logging · choke setter - logging · chokerman/woman · chokerman/woman - logging · forestry labourer · logging and forestry labourer · log driver · river driver · log rider · logging labourer · pulpwood piler · pondman/woman · seasonal swamper - logging forestry · seasonal swamper - logging · seasonal tree planter · sprayer - logging and forestry · swamper - logging and forestry
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $19.37 | $28.71 | $47.50 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | $20.05 | $45.00 |
| New Brunswick | $17.00 | $22.00 | $35.00 |
| Quebec | $20.00 | $30.00 | $50.00 |
| Ontario | $20.00 | $28.71 | $45.00 |
| Manitoba | $18.00 | $27.00 | $50.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $17.00 | $25.00 | $45.00 |
| Alberta | $19.77 | $25.00 | $35.00 |
| British Columbia | $21.60 | $33.00 | $50.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.