How to become tree trimmers and prunerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+4.2%

7,900 openings / yr

How to become tree trimmers and pruners

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

Post-secondary certificate

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

2–4 years

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

21%

Over 10 years

20%

2–4 years

18%

8–10 years

14%

6–12 months

Up to 1 month

1–2 years

1–3 months

6–8 years

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as tree trimmers and pruners

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition.	$36,840	50/100	20%
2	Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment.	$39,150	59/100	16%
3	Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner.	$35,510	48/100	22%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers Directly supervise and coordinate work activities of cleaning personnel in hotels, hospitals, offices, and other establishments.	$49,100	56/100	36%
5	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities.	$58,430	70/100	16%
6	Pest Control Workers Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.	$45,250	60/100	20%

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.