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Tree Climber Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Tree Climber Apprentice information

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$24

$35

How much do tree climber apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber apprentice in the United States is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $28.12 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 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 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.
What cities are hiring for Tree Climber Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Tree Climber Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Climber jobs? The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs are:
What states have the most Tree Climber Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Tree Climber Apprentice jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tree Climber Apprentice jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber Apprentice jobs are:
Infographic showing various Tree Climber Apprentice job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,611 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Apprentice Trimmer Climber Trainee Union

Apprentice Trimmer Climber Trainee Union

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Middlebury, VT

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


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

Apprentice - Trimmer/Climber Trainee $21.80

This position trims, tops, and reshapes trees to remove low-hanging, dead, and excess branches, providing clearance for utility powerlines.

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive, Hourly

Benefits:
  • Benefits Available and Vary per position and location.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Uses a chainsaw to cut brush, logs, and stumps of larger trees.
  • Gathers and feeds brush into a woodchipper.
  • Responsible for temporary traffic control and equipment (cones, signs and flagging).
  • Ensures the safety of self and others by following company safety policies.
  • Adheres to Region Policy Manual
  • Applies herbicide to right-of-way, following brush removal to treat remote areas.
  • Services/maintains neat, clean, and mechanical order of truck, chipper, and other equipment.
  • Responsible for daily inventory on truck.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Able to work scheduled work hours.
  • Can obtain:
    • written CDL permit within 4 weeks of hire date.
    • Valid CDL within 120 days of hire date.
    • Herbicide license within 120 days of hire date.
  • Must be able to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays and weekends.
  • Willing to pay union dues.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Entry-level position, no experience required.
  • Previous experience is a plus.
Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Valid DOT Medical Card required.
Travel Requirements:
  • Required to report and/or travel for storm emergencies.
Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): Sitting, Kneeling, Crawling, Color Vision, Climbing Stairs
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): Stooping, Squatting, Climbing On/Off Truck, Climbing Ladders, Pushing, Reading,
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): Carrying, Pulling, lifting up to 50 lbs., Balancing, body-twisting, Hearing/Speech Range, Lifting, lifting up to 10 lbs., Manual Dexterity, Reading, Speaking Clearly, Walking
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Standing, Sense of Touch, Gripping, Seeing Distant, Reaching, range-of-motion, Depth Perception, lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Climbing Poles
Safety

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.

  • Exposed to various vehicle traffic situations on work sites.
  • Works around hazardous equipment.
  • Work in all temperatures and weather.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, chain saws, woodchipper, with hearing protection.
  • May be exposed to nature i.e., irritating plants and biting or stinging insects, reptiles, and dust.
  • May be exposed to dogs and other animals.
  • Work may be performed on unlevel ground.
  • Work around falling limbs.

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.


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