Tree Trimmers and Pruners

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $50,960/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$37,940$80,310

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 7,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingMonitoringSpeakingInstructingCoordinationEquipment SelectionActive Listening

Top knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceMechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityProduction and ProcessingTransportationEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageAdministration and Management

Core tasks

• 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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Tree Trimmers and Pruners?

The median pay for Tree Trimmers and Pruners is $50,960 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Tree Trimmers and Pruners?

Employment for Tree Trimmers and Pruners is projected to change +3.3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Tree Trimmers and Pruners?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Tree Trimmers and Pruners?

About 7,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.