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Tree Climber Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PRIMEX INTERNATIONAL TRADING

Electrician

Wasco, CA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

... electrician apprenticeship program or equivalent training required • Minimum of 3 years of ... other tree nuts • Work may involve heights and confined spaces • Requires use of PPE and ...

PRIMEX INTERNATIONAL TRADING

Electrician

Wasco, CA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

... electrician apprenticeship program or equivalent training required • Minimum of 3 years of ... other tree nuts • Work may involve heights and confined spaces • Requires use of PPE and ...

PRIMEX INTERNATIONAL TRADING

Electrician

Wasco, CA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

... electrician apprenticeship program or equivalent training required • Minimum of 3 years of ... other tree nuts • Work may involve heights and confined spaces • Requires use of PPE and ...

All JobsTree Climber Apprentice JobsTree Climber Apprentice Jobs in California

Tree Climber Apprentice information

See California salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do tree climber apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber apprentice in California is $24.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tree Climber Apprentice vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectTree Climber ApprenticeTree Trimmer
CertificationsOSHA safety training, climbing certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation
Work EnvironmentClimbing trees, working at heights, outdoorGround or bucket work, trimming and pruning
Job FocusLearning climbing techniques, safety, and riggingPruning, shaping, and removing branches

Tree Climber Apprentices primarily focus on learning climbing skills and safety procedures, often working at heights and gaining hands-on experience. Tree Trimmers typically perform pruning and trimming tasks, often from the ground or using bucket trucks. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential in tree care, but apprentices are in training, while trimmers are more experienced workers.

What do you need to become a tree climber?

To become a tree climber, you typically need physical fitness, training in climbing techniques, and knowledge of safety procedures. Many employers also require a valid driver's license and may prefer candidates with certifications such as OSHA safety training or arborist credentials.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship trade?

Among apprenticeship trades, specialized roles such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships tend to offer higher wages, especially as skills and certifications increase. Tree Climber Apprentice positions generally have moderate pay, with higher earnings possible through experience, certifications, and working in commercial or hazardous environments.

What are Tree Climber Apprentices?

Tree Climber Apprentices are entry-level workers who assist experienced arborists or tree climbers in maintaining, trimming, and removing trees. They learn how to safely use climbing gear, operate tools like chainsaws, and follow safety procedures while working at heights. Apprentices gain hands-on experience under supervision, building the skills necessary to advance to more senior roles in tree care and arboriculture.

What are some common challenges faced by Tree Climber Apprentices during their first year on the job?

Tree Climber Apprentices often find the physical demands and technical skills required to be challenging at first, especially when working at heights and handling heavy equipment. Adapting to safety protocols, learning proper climbing techniques, and efficiently using tools like chainsaws or rigging gear are key hurdles. Additionally, apprentices must quickly develop strong communication skills to coordinate with ground crews and experienced climbers, ensuring safe and effective teamwork. With time and guidance, most apprentices gain confidence and proficiency as they become more comfortable in varied outdoor environments.

What is the fatality rate for tree climbers?

Tree climbers, including apprentices, face a higher risk of fatality due to the hazards of working at heights, falling, and using chainsaws and other equipment. The fatality rate for tree care workers is approximately 50 deaths per 100,000 workers annually, which is higher than many other occupations, emphasizing the importance of proper training, safety gear, and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tree Climber Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Climber Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of tree biology, physical fitness, and the ability to use hand and power tools, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with climbing equipment, chainsaws, and safety harness systems is typically required, and completion of OSHA safety training is highly beneficial. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient tree work and support career growth in arboriculture.

How much do climbing arborists get paid?

Climbing arborists, including tree climber apprentices, typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Pay varies based on experience, certifications, and geographic location, and often increases with skill development and safety training in climbing techniques and equipment use.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Climber jobs in California? The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber Apprentice jobs in California? For Tree Climber Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Climber Apprentice jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber Apprentice jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Tree Climber Apprentice jobs? Cities in California with the most Tree Climber Apprentice job openings:
Tree Climber Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Climber Apprentice job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,935 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Tree Climber - Experienced

Tree Climber - Experienced

The Professional Tree Care Company

Richmond, CA • On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

  • Do you have at least TWO YEARS of EXPERIENCE as a TREE CLIMBER?
  • Do you own a climbing gear?
  • Can you get to Richmond, CA by 6:15 a.m.?
  • If so, please keep reading....

NOTE: Please apply for our Grounds-to-Climber Apprenticeship role if you have not yet worked as a PROFESSIONAL TREE CLIMBER.
Compensation and Benefits
This Climber position is a full-time, year-round opportunity with a starting hourly rate of between $32.00 and $36.00 or more...............depending on your relevant work experience, gear, fit to the role, and fit to our company culture. The position comes with competitive benefits including:
  • Full-time, year-round work at a stable company that's 45 years old.
  • Paid vacation (earned/accrued as you work/accumulate hours)
  • 50% contribution toward medical, dental, and optical insurance for employees
  • 5 paid holidays
  • Paid sick leave
  • Access to a 401(k) account immediately
  • Company-issued safety equipment, gear, and clothing
  • Employee referral program: $400.00 per referral who becomes an employee
  • Training and development resources, plus opportunities for advancement
  • Tree industry certification and license reimbursement for those who qualify
About the opportunity
In this position, you'll join a highly experienced team of certified professionals who are known for their ability to remove enormous trees using large cranes and equipment, and excellent customer service.
The person who fills this position must be an experienced professional tree Climber who seeks to lead her/his own crew. They will be comfortable working at heights most of the day, physically fit, and eager to demonstrate their knowledge to be promoted.
The right person for this job will be a natural leader; someone who enjoys directing and coaching their crew while also working safely and efficiently. She/he/they have enough Climbing knowledge to be able to lead her/his/their own team without much training. The person we hire will be the type who reports to work early to be on time; someone who takes pride in completing their projects on budget, and LOVES working in the trees.
About us
Since 1980, The Professional Tree Care Company has been trusted for tree services throughout Northern California. Based in Berkeley, CA, we service commercial, residential, and public works projects from Mendocino to Monterey, and from San Francisco to Sacramento.
What makes us unique? We recycle 100% of material removed from job sites at our own Green Waste Recycle Yard, custom mill logs, and create organic mulch - and (soon) electricity - from the wood chips. We also have the staff, equipment, resources, and experience to perform tree services at any scale.
Our best team members are optimistic, hardworking, and dedicated to arboricultural science. Most of our managers have been with us 10+ years; many over 20. We like to hire folks who seek a work home; people eager to work hard, learn, and make friends along the way.
Your Responsibilities Include
- Safely performing all aspects of arboriculture, including:
  • Daily climbing to heights of between 10-to-150 feet using a variety of climbing systems including a combination of SRT, DRT, and DdRT
  • Managing a team of Grounds-people and Climbers Apprentices: Confirming their timecards are correct, letting them know what work needs to be done each day to complete the job on time/on budget
  • Identifying and performing tree inventories
  • Doing tree risk assessments
  • Installing bracing, cabling, and lightning protection systems
  • Working in the tree canopy to prune, thin, and remove dead wood
  • Removing dangerous and/or hazardous trees
  • Ensuring the health, safety and beauty of trees
  • Providing routine tree maintenance, plus insect and disease management
  • Performing emergency tree services: removing fallen trees from driveways, structures, etc.
  • Learning, understanding, and adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies
  • Ensuring all work sites are kept clean and free of hazards
- General Duties will vary but include:
  • Serving as part of a multi-person crew that typically includes a Climber/Foreman and Ground Crew
  • Hitting bid targets; the number of hours allotted to each job each day
  • Properly operating and maintaining tools and equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts) once trained
  • Operating our trucks and equipment in a safe manner
  • Overseeing the grinding of material, raking, blowing and collecting leaves; disposing of debris
  • Participating and/or in routine safety meetings
  • Assisting with developing processes to increase efficiency
  • Understanding and carrying out verbal and written instructions
Requirements, Experience, Skills, and Abilities
  • TWO YEARS experience as a TREE CLIMBER or production Arborists; a professional who works full-time to trim, clear, and remove trees
  • Having reliable transportation to drive to job sites throughout the greater Bay Area.
  • Clean and current California Driver's License (ABSOLUTELY CLEAN CA DL!)
  • Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Physically fit, able to lift +/-50 pounds, and work comfortably at heights for much of the workday
  • Clean background check
  • Proficiency with a roping system (Double or Single Rope Technique)
  • A proven record of using chainsaws, harnesses, ropes, safely
  • The standard stuff: Communication (accurate written, and verbal), time management, problem solving, being able to take notes on your phone, and being able to work an 8-hour shift without using your phone for non-work purposes (except at lunch, break or for an emergency)
  • Soft skills: The ability to lead by example, being extremely hardworking, being emotionally intelligent (having the ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.)
Bonus points for:
  • Having experience operating a 30-ton crane
  • Tree certifications or coursework related to tree trimming, maintenance, and/or arboriculture
  • Having served in a supervisory position
  • Having a Class-A driver's license in good standing
  • Owning a wide variety of sturdy climbing gear
  • Speaking Spanish or enough industry Spanish to lead a crew

Who Should Apply
  • Experienced climbers seeking to move up in their industry
  • Those who lead by example
  • Folks who already hold tree-related certification and licenses such as ISA, TRAQ, CPR, First Aid, etc.
  • Those within an easy commute to Richmond, CA
  • Egalitarians

Work Environment
As our newest Climber, you'll work full-time, year-round, Monday through Friday, on a variety of job sites throughout Northern California with an arrival time of 6:15 a.m. and a start time of 6:30 a.m.
What next?
If you're asked to take an online survey, please do so within three business days. Only folks who complete the survey and confirm they live within (or are moving within) a 45-minute commute of our Richmond location will be considered. (NOTE: If you are moving to within this area please note it on your resume.)

Apply