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Tree Climber Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

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Tree Climber information

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$25

$35

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Wisconsin is $25.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be a tree climber?

Being a tree climber requires physical strength, balance, and the ability to work at heights, often using specialized equipment like ropes and harnesses. It can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, requiring proper training, safety certifications, and experience to perform effectively and safely.

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 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 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 is a professional tree climber called?

A professional tree climber is often referred to as an arborist or tree surgeon. They are trained in tree care, pruning, and removal, and typically use safety gear and climbing tools such as ropes and harnesses. Certification from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is common in this field.

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 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 are tree climbers?

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.

How much do climbing arborists get paid?

Climbing arborists typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled climbers with certifications like ISA Arborist Certification often command higher wages, especially when working with specialized equipment and in hazardous environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin? For Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Tree Climber jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Tree Climber job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in WI? For Tree Climber jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,094 per year, or $25 per hour.
Tree Trimmer Foreperson- Union

Tree Trimmer Foreperson- Union

Asplundh Tree Expert

Mauston, WI

$23.50 - $32.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Asplundh Tree Expert rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 240 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

Description

Trimmer / Climber Foreperson 

This position ensures the productivity of daily operations, working closely with management to determine recruiting/hiring needs,  deadlines, and safety protocols to enforce among the crew. The Foreperson is responsible for troubleshooting routine job-site issues and engages all employees/contractors in required training, managing, and mentoring.

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive, Hourly

Benefits:
  • Company Sponsored Retirement Plan
  • Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life, long-term/short-term disability insurance
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Plans, coordinates, and assigns daily work for the crew after receiving/interpreting orders from a General Foreperson/Supervisor.
  • Conducts field training/retraining, instructing crew on new or revised job units.
  • Enforces safe work practices, as experience, judgment, company policy, and OSHA specify and conducts safety training following company policies and procedures.
  • Discusses with property owner/customer(s) issues such as obtaining access, power interruption, work to be done, responsibility for apparent property damage; refers controversial cases to the General Foreperson.
  • Obtains oral or written permission from property owners to perform required work.
  • Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through effective completion of assigned work and the appropriate behavior of employees on the crew.
  • May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle minor damage claims.
  • Maintains accurate records, timesheets, and reports related to the performance of the crew operation.
  • Controls crew costs, including effective use of people power, work methods, operation of equipment, etc.
  • Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of work completed, crew time, minor damage repairs and distribution, etc.
  • Periodically furnishes reports on incidents, truck breakdowns, private property damage, new employee follow–up, etc.
  • Cooperates with customers, police, and fire departments when blocking streets or driveways.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc., to protect employees and safeguard the public from hazards. In emergencies, determines the action to be taken to eliminate hazards to life and property.
  • Inspects and makes or provides for necessary repairs to tools, trucks, and other equipment.
  • Maintains good housekeeping on the truck and at the work location.
  • Responsible for DOT maintenance and inspection requirements on all required vehicles.
  • Keeps informed regarding new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices, including EEO and AA policies. Requests repair or replacement, when necessary.
  • Carries out Trimmer/Climber Tasks as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Requires the understanding of drawings and symbols representing lines, voltages, line equipment, etc.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Posses organization skills and be able to multi-task.
  • Capable of adjusting to field requirements and take independent action without close supervision.
  • Able to safely drive an approved company vehicle.
  • Able to work with hands above head for extended periods of time.
  • Due to the capacity of existing equipment, the weight of the employee should not exceed approximately 300 pounds.
  • No fear of heights.
  • Willing to pay union dues.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or GED 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:
  • Valid driver's 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, 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, Sense of Touch.
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.

  • Works in proximity to energized power lines.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, chain saw wood chipper, and other equipment with hearing protection.
  • Works in all temperatures and weather and will be exposed to nature, i.e., irritating plants and biting or stinging insects, dust, etc.
  • Works at varying heights above ground and on unlevel terrain.
  • Must be able to walk, climb, and work from ladders, or at various heights, on uneven and slippery surfaces, performing mentally/physically demanding work under unfavorable weather conditions while handling equipment or material.

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.


Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees’ health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
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.
Please note:
  • All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
  • Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.

What Asplundh Tree Expert employees say

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