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Careers in tree care: the jobs, the skills and how people move up
Tree care is hard, outdoor, skilled work, and good crews are always needed. This guide is for people who want to work in it, and for tree service owners who are hiring. It covers each main job, the path up, pay sources you can trust and the credentials that matter.
By Umair Nawaz, Lirevon. Last reviewed: October 2026. Lirevon is not affiliated with the ISA or TCIA and does not post jobs.
The main jobs in tree care
Small tree companies often have one to five crews. Each crew usually has a leader, one or more climbers or lift operators, and groundworkers. Pick a role to read the full guide.
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Groundworker
The usual first job. You drag brush, feed the chipper, run ropes, keep the drop zone clear and learn how a crew works. Most people start here.
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Tree climber
The person who goes up the tree with ropes, a saddle and a saw. It takes strength, judgment and a lot of training on the ground first.
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Crew leader
Runs the job site: plans the work, keeps the crew safe, talks to the customer and gets the day done on time.
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Arborist
Knows how trees grow, get sick and fail. Arborists diagnose problems, judge risk and recommend care. Many hold an ISA credential.
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Certifications
ISA and TCIA credentials explained in plain words: who they are for, what they show and where to check the current rules.
How people move up
There is no single ladder, but most careers follow the same four steps. How fast you climb depends on your skill, your safety record and the training your company gives.
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Step 1
Start on the ground
Learn knots, saw safety, chipper safety, traffic control and how to read the climber. Show up on time. That alone sets many new hires apart.
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Step 2
Add skills
Learn to run a chainsaw well, then rigging, then climbing or aerial lift work if the company trains for it. Get first aid and CPR training.
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Step 3
Earn a credential
When you have the experience the ISA or TCIA asks for, sit for a credential. It helps you move up and helps your company win work.
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Step 4
Lead people
Crew leaders plan jobs, keep the crew safe and handle customers. Some go on to sales and estimating, plant health care or their own company.
What about pay?
Pay varies by region, skill, credentials and company. We do not guess. The most trusted public source is the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS lists a median hourly wage of $24.50 for tree trimmers and pruners, for May 2025. Median means half of workers earned more and half earned less.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Grounds Maintenance Workers, data for May 2025, checked October 2026.
Your own pay can be well above or below that figure. Climbers, crew leaders and credentialed arborists often earn more than new groundworkers, but it depends on the area. Check the BLS site for your state, and ask employers how they set pay and raises.
Is this work for you?
People who do well in tree care usually like the outdoors, physical work and solving problems with their hands. They are careful, they listen and they work well in a small team.
- You work in heat, cold and rain, and after storms you may work long days.
- You lift, drag and carry most of the day. Fitness builds fast, but the start is hard.
- You must follow safety rules every time, even when the job is running late.
- You see your work at the end of the day: a cleared yard, a safer tree, a happy homeowner.
To learn the safety side first, read our job site safety guide and the page on tree care safety standards. To learn the gear, see climbing gear and protective gear.
For owners who are hiring
Good crews are the hardest part of running a tree company. A few habits help you hire better and keep people longer.
- Write a clear job post: the role, the hours, the training you give, the gear you supply and how pay is set. Vague posts get vague applicants.
- Ask about safety first in the interview. A good candidate will ask you about your safety meetings and gear too.
- Give new hires a written first-week plan and one person to shadow. People leave jobs where nobody teaches them.
- Pay for training and credentials where you can, and tell your customers about it. It is honest marketing and it keeps people.
- Work out the full cost of a hire, not only the wage: payroll taxes (employer FICA is 7.65%), workers comp, gear and training time.
Go deeper with the hiring and crews guide, and work out the full cost of a new person with the hiring cost calculator. Steady work keeps good crews, and steady work starts with answering every call. That is what we help with: see our services and pricing, or ask for a free audit.
Common questions
Do I need a degree to work in tree care?
No. Most people start as groundworkers and learn on the job. A degree in arboriculture, forestry or horticulture can help, and some credentials count it toward their experience rules, but it is not needed to get hired.
What is the best first job in tree care?
Groundworker. You learn how a crew works, how rigging and chipping are done safely, and what the climber needs from you. Good groundworkers are in demand.
How much do tree workers earn?
Pay varies by region, skill and company. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a median hourly wage of $24.50 for tree trimmers and pruners in May 2025. Check the BLS site for your state and the latest data.
Is tree work dangerous?
It can be. Falls, falling limbs, chainsaws, chippers and power lines are real risks. Good companies train people, supply protective gear, hold safety meetings and follow the ANSI Z133 safety standard for tree work.
What is the difference between a tree climber and an arborist?
A climber does the work in the tree. An arborist knows tree biology, health and risk, and recommends what to do. Many people are both, and many arborists started as climbers.
Which certification should I get first?
Many people aim for ISA Certified Arborist once they have enough experience. Climbers may look at the ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist. Safety leads often look at the TCIA CTSP. See our certifications page.
Do I need a driver license?
Usually yes, and some crews need a commercial driver license (CDL) for heavy trucks. A clean driving record helps you get hired and move up.
Can I start my own tree company later?
Many owners did just that. You need experience, insurance, any license your state or city asks for, equipment and a way to get calls. Read our guide to starting a tree service.
I own a tree company. How do I find good workers?
Write clear job posts, ask current crew for referrals, train new people well and keep the work steady. Our hiring and crews guide and the hiring cost calculator help you plan.
Does Lirevon hire tree workers or post jobs?
No. Lirevon is a marketing company for tree service owners. We do not do tree work, place workers or run a job board. These pages are free guides.
This page is general information, not legal or career advice. Check the ISA, TCIA and BLS websites for current details.
Own a tree service? Keep your crews busy
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