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Wood Chipper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wright Tree Service

Tree Trimmer

Ionia, MI · On-site

Loads and unloads trucks with logs, stumps, brush, and debris and/or feeds brush into a wood chipper. * Repairs slight damage to lawns, fences, and walks caused by tree trimming. * Relays hand ...

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$12

$18

$25

How much do wood chipper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for wood chipper in the United States is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wood Chipper vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectWood ChipperTree Trimmer
Required CredentialsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsArborist certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentForestry sites, construction areas, land clearingUrban and suburban trees, parks, residential areas
Employer & IndustryLandscaping, forestry, constructionArboriculture, landscaping, municipal services

While both roles involve working with trees and wood, a Wood Chipper primarily operates machinery to process wood debris, whereas a Tree Trimmer focuses on pruning and maintaining trees. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

What are some common safety challenges faced by Wood Chippers, and how are they addressed on the job?

Wood Chippers often work with heavy machinery and sharp tools, so safety is a top priority in this role. Common challenges include the risk of injury from moving parts, flying debris, and noise exposure. To address these risks, workers typically follow strict safety protocols such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, gloves, ear protection, and safety glasses. Regular safety training, machine maintenance, and adherence to operational procedures also help ensure a safe work environment. Many employers foster a safety-first culture by encouraging team communication and reporting of hazards.

What are wood chippers and what do they do?

Wood chippers are machines designed to reduce wood, such as tree branches, trunks, and limbs, into smaller wood chips or mulch. They are commonly used in landscaping, forestry, and by municipal workers to manage and dispose of organic debris. Wood chippers work by feeding wood into a chute, where powerful blades or hammers cut and shred the material. The resulting chips can be used for mulching, composting, or as biomass fuel. Proper safety precautions are essential when operating wood chippers due to their powerful cutting mechanisms.

Do you need training to use a wood chipper?

Yes, training is recommended for operating a wood chipper to ensure safe and proper use, as it involves handling heavy equipment and potentially hazardous materials. Many employers provide or require safety training and certification before allowing workers to operate a wood chipper.

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

To thrive as a Wood Chipper, you need a solid understanding of forestry operations, physical stamina, and experience handling heavy machinery, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial wood chippers, chainsaws, and protective safety equipment is typically required, and OSHA safety certification is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for ensuring safety and efficiency on the job. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain safe work environments, prevent injuries, and achieve productivity in physically demanding outdoor settings.

What jobs pay $50 an hour in California?

A wood chipper operator can earn around $50 an hour with experience, proper safety training, and certification. Skilled trades such as crane operators or heavy equipment operators also often reach this pay rate, especially with overtime or in specialized environments. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and employer, but these roles are among those that can pay $50 an hour or more in California.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A wood chipper operator can earn around $4,000 a week with experience, especially in industries like forestry or landscaping where heavy machinery operation is involved. These roles typically require safety certifications and physical stamina but do not usually require a college degree. High-paying skilled trades, sales positions, or entrepreneurial ventures can also reach this income level without a degree.

How much do wood chippers make?

Wood chippers are typically employed in forestry, landscaping, or tree care, and their wages vary by experience, location, and employer. On average, they earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Certification in equipment operation and safety can influence earning potential.
More about Wood Chipper jobs
What cities are hiring for Wood Chipper jobs? Cities with the most Wood Chipper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wood Chipper jobs? The most popular types of Wood Chipper jobs are:
What states have the most Wood Chipper jobs? States with the most job openings for Wood Chipper jobs include:
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Wood Chipper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wood Chipper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,931 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Asheboro, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

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

Equipment Operator (Driver License Required)

This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines.

Are you a real go-getter looking for an amazing opportunity with a nationwide  full-service-utility contractor offering competitive wages and incredible benefits? Keep reading because this job might be for you!

Since 1928, Asplundh has been dedicated to safe, efficient and innovative line clearance services to the utility industry. Reliable, uninterrupted power is an important service provided by the world's electrical utilities and Asplundh has the expertise to help keep the power flowing. Diversification over the years has opened up vegetation management services to other specialized markets such as municipalities, railroads, pipelines, helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation.

A family-owned and operated corporation headquartered near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Asplundh has grown to employ over 36,000 service professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive, Hourly

Benefits:

  • Competitive wages/Paid weekly – Direct Deposit
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Individual/Family Health, Dental, Eye Care, Prescriptions
  • Insurance premiums paid by Company
  • FMLA and Short term disability benefits.
  • Retirement packages, paid by Company
  • Prescription safety glasses
  • All tools provided by the Company to do job
  • DOT Regulated Drug Free Workplace
  • First Aid & CPR Training provided

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Operates operate heavy equipment such as Bulldozers-Backhoes-Skid steers-Excavator-Loaders-Dump trucks, Mowers and Stump grinders.
  • Transport equipment to and from multi state job locations.
  • Install and remove gates, fences, barb wire.
  • Install and remove culverts, rocks and base.
  • Works on spared rock and base by Highways, side roads and on the right-of-way.
  • Uses a chainsaw to cut brush, logs and stumps of larger trees.
  • Gathers brush and feed brush into wood chipper.
  • Applies chemical herbicide to right-of-way, following brush removal when (APP)
  • Utilizes hose and spray nozzle from truck mounted spray equipment which includes tank, pump, hose reel, 200 feet of ½ inch hose, or utilizes back-pack to treat remote areas.
  • Services truck, chipper, and equipment, maintaining them in neat, clean, and specified mechanical order. 
  • Assists senior spray person in mixing herbicide in holding tank. When (APP)
  • Works around hazardous equipment.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, chain saws, wood chipper, with hearing protection.
  • Works in all temperatures and weather and will be exposed to nature, i.e., irritating plants, biting or stinging insects, dust, etc.
  • Works on unleveled ground.
  • Works around falling limbs with protection.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Possesses working knowledge and be able to identify tree and shrub species.
  • Familiar with electrical hazards.

Education & Experience

  • High School Diploma or 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:

  • Driver 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, reading, pushing, climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): walking, body twisting, manual dexterity, speaking clearly, hearing-speech range, lifting, carrying, pulling, balancing, lifting up to 10 lbs.
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): standing, sense of touch, seeing distant, climbing, gripping, lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., seeing, reaching, range of motion, depth perception.

What Asplundh Tree Expert employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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