Tree trimmers and pruners
SOC Code: 37-3013Also known as:
Arborist, Brush Clearing Laborer, Climber, Climber Trimmer, Diagnostician
Median Annual Salary
$50,430
+3.3% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
60K
Current Jobs
What Tree trimmers and pruners Do
Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts.
💰 Salary
$50,430
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.3%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
60,100
Projected Employment (2034)
62,100
Related Careers
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
$38,090 •
+3.6% growth
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
$45,200 •
+3.8% growth
Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse
$35,690 •
-3.3% growth
Forest and conservation workers
$43,680 •
-4.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Operate shredding and chipping equipment, and feed limbs and brush into the machines.
- Operate boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment and tools.
- Cut away dead and excess branches from trees, or clear branches around power lines, using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck booms, or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers.
- Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment.
- Hoist tools and equipment to tree trimmers, and lower branches with ropes or block and tackle.
- Climb trees, using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to gain access to work areas.
- Supervise others engaged in tree trimming work and train lower-level employees.
- Trim, top, and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches.
- Load debris and refuse onto trucks and haul it away for disposal.
- Inspect trees to determine if they have diseases or pest problems.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tree trimmers and pruners make?
The median annual salary for tree trimmers and pruners is $50,430.
What education do tree trimmers and pruners need?
Most tree trimmers and pruners positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming tree trimmers and pruners a good career choice?
Tree trimmers and pruners is projected to see +3.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 7,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for tree trimmers and pruners?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to tree trimmers and pruners?
Tree trimmers and pruners may also be known as: Arborist, Brush Clearing Laborer, Climber, Climber Trimmer, Diagnostician, Grape Pruner, Grounds Worker, Groundsman, Groundsperson, Laborer, Line Clearance Trimmer, Line Clearing Tree Trimmer, Plant Health Care Technician, Pruner, Tanbark Laborer, Timber Cutter, Tree Climber, Tree Doctor, Tree Expert, Tree Pruner.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.