Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace tree trimmers and pruners?AI replacement risk 8% and how the work is changing

United States Cleaning & Building Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$50,960
25th–75th pct. $44,840–$63,900
Top pay (est.)
$104,400
Top 10% $80,310
Pay in 5 years
$60,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$70,700est.
$60,800–$82,100
Outlook score
70/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
8%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.2%
7,900 openings / yr

Will AI replace Tree Trimmers and Pruners? AI replacement risk

8%
Very low
Ranked #14 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Tree Trimmers and Pruners

Key skills

Coordination
3.1
Operation and Control
3.1
Critical Thinking
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Time Management
3.0
Instructing
3.0
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
3.9
Mechanical
3.6
Education and Training
3.1
Public Safety and Security
3.0
Transportation
3.0
Production and Processing
2.9
Administration and Management
2.8
English Language
2.3

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeControlling Machines and Processes

Important abilities

Reaction TimeControl PrecisionExtent FlexibilityTrunk StrengthStatic StrengthManual Dexterity

Education of workers

Less than high school
57%
High school diploma
37%
Some college
4%
Post-secondary certificate
2%

Training before entry

3–6 months
30%
4–10 years
14%
None / short demo
14%
Up to 1 month
14%
1–3 months
13%
Over 10 years
6%
2–4 years
5%
1–2 years
4%

Related work experience

None
21%
Over 10 years
20%
2–4 years
18%
8–10 years
14%
6–12 months
9%
Up to 1 month
7%
1–2 years
6%
1–3 months
2%
6–8 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.