How much does a tree trimmer make?

In the U.S., experience, useful credentials, and special skills such as line-clearance work can affect pay. Pay also varies by employer, location, job difficulty, and hours; overtime or shift premiums can change total earnings.

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. Excludes workers who primarily perform duties of “Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers” (37-3011) and “Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation” (37-3012).

What's a typical day like?

A crew checks the site, then a trimmer may climb with ropes or ride a lift to saw off dead or overgrown limbs. Coworkers lower branches, chip or haul the debris, and clean tools outdoors.

In the U.S., a high school diploma or GED is common; many start as ground workers or helpers and learn pruning, climbing, equipment, and safety on the job or in an apprenticeship. Near live power lines, special line-clearance training is required.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some tree trimmers get special training to work near live power lines; untrained workers must stay at least 10 feet away.