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Chipper Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jensen Landscape Services

Arbor Groundsman

Milpitas, CA

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

TCIA certified chipper operator specialist or have ability to obtain within 6 months * TCIA chainsaw operator specialist or have ability to obtain within 6 months * TCIA ground operation specialist ...

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Chipper Operator information

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How much do chipper operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for chipper operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Chipper Operator do?

A Chipper Operator is responsible for operating machinery that reduces wood, branches, and other materials into small chips. This role typically involves feeding raw materials into the chipper, monitoring equipment to ensure it functions safely and efficiently, and performing routine maintenance. Chipper Operators often work in forestry, landscaping, or wood processing industries and must adhere to strict safety protocols. The job can be physically demanding and may require working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chipper Operator, and how can they be addressed?

Chipper Operators often face challenges such as handling equipment jams, maintaining consistent feed rates, and ensuring safety around heavy machinery. To address these, operators should follow regular maintenance schedules, stay alert to signs of malfunction, and adhere strictly to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members is also crucial, especially in fast-paced environments where coordination is key to minimizing downtime and accidents. Continuous on-the-job training helps operators stay updated with best practices, further reducing operational challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chipper Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chipper Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, maintenance procedures, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial wood chippers, conveyor systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe and efficient material processing, minimize downtime, and promote a safe work environment.

How much does a chipper make?

A chipper operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled operators who operate heavy machinery and hold relevant certifications may earn higher wages. Wages can also vary based on the complexity of the job site and the industry sector.

What is the difference between Chipper Operator vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectChipper OperatorTree Trimmer
Required CredentialsOSHA safety training, possibly certification in equipment operationSafety training, possibly certification in tree care or arboriculture
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, forestry, logging areas, outdoorUrban and suburban trees, outdoor
Industry UsageForestry, logging, landscapingArboriculture, landscaping, municipal services

While both roles involve outdoor work with trees and wood, a Chipper Operator primarily operates wood chipping equipment to process logs and debris, often in forestry or logging settings. A Tree Trimmer focuses on pruning, trimming, and maintaining trees, typically in urban environments. The skills and certifications overlap in safety and equipment operation, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What is the highest paying heavy equipment operator?

Among heavy equipment operators, crane operators and pipeline operators tend to have the highest salaries due to the specialized skills and certifications required. These roles often involve operating complex machinery in high-risk environments and may require additional training or licensing, which can lead to higher pay. Salary levels vary by industry, experience, and location, but these positions generally offer top compensation within the heavy equipment operator field.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Chipper operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are more common in specialized roles like high-level consultants, certain executive positions, or skilled trades such as crane operators or specialized construction managers. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-demand environments, sometimes with overtime or project-based pay structures.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Chipper operators typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs without a degree often include roles such as commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which rely on skills, licenses, or performance rather than formal education. These positions may require on-the-job training, industry-specific knowledge, or licensing but can offer substantial income potential.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Chipper Operator jobs? The most popular types of Chipper Operator jobs are:
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Chipper Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chipper Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Wilkesboro, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Asplundh Tree Expert rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 238 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies

Job description

Equipment Operator (Driver License Required)

This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines.

Are you a real go-getter looking for an amazing opportunity with a nationwide  full-service-utility contractor offering competitive wages and incredible benefits? Keep reading because this job might be for you!

Since 1928, Asplundh has been dedicated to safe, efficient and innovative line clearance services to the utility industry. Reliable, uninterrupted power is an important service provided by the world's electrical utilities and Asplundh has the expertise to help keep the power flowing. Diversification over the years has opened up vegetation management services to other specialized markets such as municipalities, railroads, pipelines, helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation.

A family-owned and operated corporation headquartered near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Asplundh has grown to employ over 36,000 service professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive, Hourly

Benefits:

  • Competitive wages/Paid weekly – Direct Deposit
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Individual/Family Health, Dental, Eye Care, Prescriptions
  • Insurance premiums paid by Company
  • FMLA and Short term disability benefits.
  • Retirement packages, paid by Company
  • Prescription safety glasses
  • All tools provided by the Company to do job
  • DOT Regulated Drug Free Workplace
  • First Aid & CPR Training provided

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Operates operate heavy equipment such as Bulldozers-Backhoes-Skid steers-Excavator-Loaders-Dump trucks, Mowers and Stump grinders.
  • Transport equipment to and from multi state job locations.
  • Install and remove gates, fences, barb wire.
  • Install and remove culverts, rocks and base.
  • Works on spared rock and base by Highways, side roads and on the right-of-way.
  • Uses a chainsaw to cut brush, logs and stumps of larger trees.
  • Gathers brush and feed brush into wood chipper.
  • Applies chemical herbicide to right-of-way, following brush removal when (APP)
  • Utilizes hose and spray nozzle from truck mounted spray equipment which includes tank, pump, hose reel, 200 feet of ½ inch hose, or utilizes back-pack to treat remote areas.
  • Services truck, chipper, and equipment, maintaining them in neat, clean, and specified mechanical order. 
  • Assists senior spray person in mixing herbicide in holding tank. When (APP)
  • Works around hazardous equipment.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, chain saws, wood chipper, with hearing protection.
  • Works in all temperatures and weather and will be exposed to nature, i.e., irritating plants, biting or stinging insects, dust, etc.
  • Works on unleveled ground.
  • Works around falling limbs with protection.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Possesses working knowledge and be able to identify tree and shrub species.
  • Familiar with electrical hazards.

Education & Experience

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Pre-Screen

  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.

License & Certifications:

  • Driver License Required.
  • CDL Preferred 

Travel Requirements:

  • Must have transportation to and from the show up location.

Physical Requirements:

  • RARE (less than 10%): sitting, kneeling, crawling, color vision, climbing stairs.
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): stooping, squatting, climbing on/off truck, reading, pushing, climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): walking, body twisting, manual dexterity, speaking clearly, hearing-speech range, lifting, carrying, pulling, balancing, lifting up to 10 lbs.
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): standing, sense of touch, seeing distant, climbing, gripping, lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., seeing, reaching, range of motion, depth perception.

What Asplundh Tree Expert employees say

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