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Tree Climber Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Always ... Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all ...

Arborist Climber Trainee

Nashville, TN

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and ...

Arborist Climber Trainee

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and ...

Our team of tree trimmers and climbers is on the lookout for bold individuals who love to work in all-weather elements. Wind, rain, sunshine, or snow - we tackle them all! If you want to experience ...

The Tree Trimmer role is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and ... Trims, removes and/or fells trees using climbing equipment, such as a powered trimmer lift truck ...

Tree Trimmer 442

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$16.04 - $20.42/hr

Our team of tree trimmers and climbers is on the lookout for bold individuals who love to work in all-weather elements. Wind, rain, sunshine, or snow - we tackle them all! If you want to experience ...

Tree Trimmer 442

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$16.04 - $20.42/hr

Our team of tree trimmers and climbers is on the lookout for bold individuals who love to work in all-weather elements. Wind, rain, sunshine, or snow - we tackle them all! If you want to experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Tree Climber information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$22

$32

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Tennessee is $22.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tree climber?

Tree climbers are skilled professionals who ascend trees to perform various tasks such as pruning, trimming, removing dead branches, or felling whole trees. They use specialized equipment like ropes, harnesses, and climbing spikes to safely reach and maneuver within the tree canopy. Tree climbers often work for arborist companies, landscaping services, or municipal parks departments, ensuring the health and safety of trees and the surrounding environment. Their work requires physical fitness, knowledge of tree biology, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

What does a tree climber do?

A Tree Climber, or Tree Trimmer, specializes in climbing tall trees to access limbs for removal. As a Tree Climber, your duty is to use safety equipment and other tools to remove limbs which often pose a threat to the property. You work under the supervision of an experienced arboriculture professional who can advise you on the best removal tactics. You must work with your team to remove the dead or damaged branches without causing harm to yourself or the property below.

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

To thrive as a Tree Climber, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of arboriculture, and experience in safe climbing techniques, often supported by relevant certifications such as ISA Certified Tree Worker. Familiarity with climbing gear, chainsaws, rigging equipment, and aerial lift systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help Tree Climbers work safely and efficiently within a team. These skills are crucial for ensuring personal safety, protecting property, and delivering high-quality tree care services.

What are some common challenges faced by tree climbers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Tree climbers often encounter challenges such as working at significant heights, unpredictable weather conditions, and navigating dense or hazardous tree canopies. To manage these challenges, climbers use specialized safety equipment, adhere to strict safety protocols, and maintain strong communication with ground crews. Regular skills training and physical fitness are also essential to handle the physical demands and ensure safety. By staying prepared and vigilant, tree climbers can perform their role efficiently while minimizing risks.

What is the difference between Tree Climber vs Arborist?

AspectTree ClimberArborist
CertificationsClimbing and safety certifications, such as ANSI or OSHAArborist certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentPrimarily climbing and pruning trees in outdoor settingsIncludes tree care, diagnosis, planting, and consulting
Job ResponsibilitiesClimbing, pruning, and removing treesTree health assessment, planting, and overall landscape management

While a Tree Climber specializes in climbing and pruning trees, an Arborist has a broader role that includes tree health assessment, planting, and consulting. Both roles require climbing skills and safety certifications, but Arborists often hold additional credentials and perform more comprehensive tree care tasks.

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 require certification in first aid and sometimes specialized certifications like aerial rescue or tree climbing courses. Experience with tools such as ropes, harnesses, and climbing gear is also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Climber jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Tennessee?

For Tree Climber jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Tree Climber jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Tree Climber job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in TN?

For Tree Climber jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,843 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Climber - Sweetwater, TN

Xylem I LLC

Sweetwater, TN

$23.31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Always follow and help enforce safe practices and rules
  • Climb, prune, and remove trees according to Foreperson’s directives
  • Load and unload trucks with logs, brush, and debris; lifts and feeds brush into brush chipper.
  • Work from the ground using hand saws, pole saws, pruners, hand pruners, loppers, and gas-powered chain saws
  • Inspect and ensure proper working condition of all assigned tools and equipment
  • Safeguard employees and public from hazards in and around the work area by enforcing safe job practices, keeping work area clean and orderly, and staying in frequent voice communication with co-workers
  • Perform duties for storm work as needed

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

    Climbers have no direct reports.

    EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

    Prior experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred; previous climbing experience is preferred

    EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

    High School diploma or education equivalent preferred

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

    • Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of all knots, ropes, and rigging devices used in tree trimming and removal operations
    • Must be able to climb and descend trees using rope and safety saddle
    • Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all applicable first aid techniques
    • Must be familiar with electrical hazards and appropriate operating procedure when in proximity to electrical conductors and aerial rescue techniques in the event of an emergency aloft
    • Must be able to work and maneuver at considerable heights under varying and adverse weather conditions
    • Must possess physical strength and agility, good balance, good depth perception and the ability to hear verbal instructions from a distance.
    • Must be able to quickly remove yourself from a potential danger area
    • Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
    • Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

    Work authorization requirements:

    Must meet I-9 requirements.

    Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

    Benefits Offered:

    This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.