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Tree Pruning Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Groundsman

Lake Bluff, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

What a Tree Care Groundsman does:Assist crew with equipment and vehicle preparation dailyEnsure that drop zones are safe for coworkers and publicPerform pruning and reducingSafely use tree care ...

Tree Trimmer

Quincy, IL

$23.59 - $31.46/hr

The Tree Trimmer role is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. This role ...

Tree Trimmer

Quincy, IL · On-site

$23.59 - $31.46/hr

The Tree Trimmer role is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. This role ...

Tree Trimmer

Petersburg, IL · On-site

$24.77 - $33.03/hr

The Tree Trimmer role is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. This role ...

Tree Trimmer

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$24.77 - $33.03/hr

The Tree Trimmer role is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. This role ...

Tree Trimmer

Galesburg, IL

$24.77 - $33.03/hr

The Tree Trimmer role is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. This role ...

Tree Trimmer

Galesburg, IL · On-site

$24.77 - $33.03/hr

The Tree Trimmer role is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. This role ...

Showing results 21-40

Tree Pruning information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$28

$48

How much do tree pruning jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree pruning in Illinois is $28.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $32.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tree pruning?

A Tree Pruning job involves trimming and cutting branches to improve a tree's health, appearance, and safety. This process removes dead or diseased limbs, promotes new growth, and reduces potential hazards. Tree pruning is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the tree and preventing damage to property or people. Professionals use specialized tools and techniques to ensure the best results while preserving the tree’s natural shape and strength.

What does a tree pruning specialist do?

A typical day for a tree pruning professional involves assessing the health and structure of trees, determining which limbs need to be cut for safety, aesthetics, or tree health, and using various hand and power tools to perform precise cuts. You may work on both residential and commercial properties, often collaborating with a team of arborists or groundskeepers to ensure that all tasks are completed safely and efficiently. The job is physically active and usually outdoors, so being comfortable working in different weather conditions is important. Additionally, safety briefings, equipment checks, and cleaning up debris are routine parts of the daily workflow.

What skills and qualifications are needed for tree pruning?

To thrive in Tree Pruning, you need solid knowledge of tree species, pruning techniques, and basic arboriculture, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job experience; formal certifications like ISA Certified Tree Worker can be advantageous. Competence in using hand saws, loppers, chainsaws, climbing gear, and sometimes aerial lifts is typically expected. Attention to detail, safety awareness, teamwork, and strong communication help you excel in this physically demanding role. These skills ensure both the safety of personnel and the health and proper maintenance of trees, which are essential for client satisfaction and environmental stewardship.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Pruning jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Tree Pruning jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Pruning jobs in Illinois? For Tree Pruning jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Pruning jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Pruning jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Tree Pruning job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,796 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Climbing Arborist Trainee | Gurnee, IL

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Lake Bluff, IL • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,043 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Climbing Arborist Trainee | Gurnee, IL
Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company
Locations: Lake Bluff, IL, Gurnee, IL
Additional Locations: Gurnee, IL
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 226820
Position Overview
Trim and remove trees, remove unwanted, diseased or dying limbs on trees, or to affect the health and safety of trees or surrounding areas by performing the following duties.
Job Duties
What You'll Do:
  • Learn to climb trees! (Yes, we will pay you to do that.)
  • Operate as a member of a tree crew while progressively learning new skills
  • Learn to perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully for clients. Including but not limited to:
  • Tree identification and industry pruning guidelines
  • Prune, thin, and remove deadwood throughout the tree canopy
  • Learn how to install cables, bracing, and lightning protection systems
  • Assist in removal of hazardous trees
  • Properly maintain, prepare and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and more.
  • How high you grow depends on you!

Qualifications
What We're Looking For:
  • Love of the outdoors
  • Preferred: Background in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscaping, or working at heights
  • Ability to complete the Davey Tree Trimmer Orientation Program upon hire
  • Ability to complete the Davey Tree First Aid, CPR and defensive driving course upon hire
  • Preferred: Relevant pesticide and related licenses and certificates, if required by state law

Additional Information
What We Offer: *
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • All job specific equipment and safety gear provided
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
  • Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options
  • Group Health Plan
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas
  • Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers
  • Scholarship Program for Children of Employees
  • Charitable matching gift program
  • Starting pay rate: $20-$23 per hour

*all listed benefits available to eligible employees
Company Overview
Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee owned companies in the nation! Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchange of ideas, community partnerships, a commitment to safety, and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services.
We are currently looking to add a dynamic Climbing Arborist Trainee to our passionate team of tree care professionals. Your office is outdoors, and you get a new view every day!
Divisional Overview
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there's a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%

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