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Tree Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fleet Administrator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Rancho Tree Service is seeking a detail-oriented and tech-savvy Fleet Administrator to support our expanding fleet operations. This role is critical in ensuring our vehicles, equipment, and operators ...

Tree Climber

Martinez, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Jensen Landscape Services| Monarch Tree Services Monarch Landscape Companies is a family of successful landscape brands in eight states across the United States. We are a values-based learning ...

Tree Climber

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Jensen Landscape Services | Monarch Tree Services Monarch Landscape Companies is a family of successful landscape brands in eight states across the United States. We are a values-based learning ...

Jensen Landscape Services | Monarch Tree Services Monarch Landscape Companies is a family of successful landscape brands in eight states across the United States. We are a values-based learning ...

Landsystems | Monarch Tree Services Monarch Landscape Companies is a family of successful landscape brands in eight states across the United States. We are a values-based learning organization ...

Tree Foreman

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Communicate with clients to understand their needs and provide recommendations for tree care services * Maintain accurate records of work performed and ensure timely submission of reports Skills: As ...

Tree Climber

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

As a Tree Climber, you will be responsible for climbing trees to perform pruning, trimming, and removal of branches or limbs. You will work with a team of professionals to ensure the safety of ...

Tree Foreman

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Communicate with clients to understand their needs and provide recommendations for tree care services * Maintain accurate records of work performed and ensure timely submission of reports Skills: As ...

Tree Climber

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Climb trees to perform pruning, removals, and other tree care services using industry-standard techniques and equipment. * Safely operate and maintain climbing gear, chainsaws, and rigging equipment.

Showing results 41-60

Tree Service information

See California salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do tree service jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree service 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 a tree service professional?

Tree service professionals are trained experts who provide a range of services related to the care, maintenance, and removal of trees. Their work includes tree pruning, trimming, removal, stump grinding, and sometimes emergency storm damage cleanup. Tree service specialists ensure trees are healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing, often using specialized equipment and techniques to work safely and efficiently. They may also advise on tree health, pest management, and planting. Hiring a certified and insured tree service company helps protect your property and the health of your trees.

What are the qualifications to get a tree service job?

Tree climbers may need a high school diploma or GED certificate, depending on the requirements of the employer. You should have excellent tree climbing skills and completely lack an aversion to heights. Training, or even an interest, in horticulture, landscape design, or arboriculture can set you apart from other candidates. Some employers may require you have your own tree maintenance equipment. It is imperative you know how to use and maintain the tools you use to trim, inspect, and maintain trees. If your duties include the application of pesticides, some states require you first obtain a special license.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in tree service, and why are they important?

To thrive in Tree Service, you need knowledge of arboriculture practices, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with chainsaws, climbing gear, wood chippers, and certifications like ISA Certified Arborist or Tree Risk Assessment Qualification are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to safety help individuals excel in this role. These skills are crucial for maintaining tree health, ensuring personal and public safety, and delivering reliable service to clients.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in tree service, and how can they be addressed?

Tree service professionals often encounter challenges such as working in hazardous conditions, dealing with unpredictable weather, and handling heavy equipment safely. To address these challenges, it’s important to receive thorough safety training, use proper personal protective equipment, and stay updated on the latest industry best practices. Collaborating closely with team members and maintaining clear communication on-site also help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Many employers also emphasize ongoing education and certification to keep skills sharp and reduce job-related risks.

How much does the average tree service worker make?

The average tree service worker earns around $15 to $25 per hour, with annual salaries typically ranging from $30,000 to $50,000. Experience, certifications, and the complexity of tasks can influence earnings, and workers often use chainsaws, climbing gear, and safety equipment on the job.

Is tree service a good career?

Tree service is a physically demanding profession that involves tasks such as tree trimming, removal, and stump grinding, often requiring climbing and the use of specialized tools. It can offer steady employment and opportunities for advancement, especially with certifications in safety and arboriculture. However, it also involves risks and irregular schedules, so suitability depends on individual preferences and physical fitness.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Service jobs in California?

The most popular types of Tree Service jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Service jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Service jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Tree Service jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tree Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Tree Service job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,935 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Tree Climber - 2 years experience

Hayward, CA • On-site

The Professional Tree Care Company
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 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 Hayward, 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
  • 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 company culture is often referred to as being family-like. We 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
  • 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:
  • 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.
  • Climbers who are ready to move into office-based roles in the next 5 years to become Certified Arborists/Estimators, Sales Team Members, or Project Managers.
  • 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 Hayward, 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 Hayward location will be considered. (NOTE: If you are moving to within this area please note it on your resume.)