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What is a tree chipper and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a tree chipper. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.46 an hour? That's $46,715 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -3% and produce -400 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreTree ChipperUS Average
Salary
3.6

Avg. Salary $46,715

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.03%

Asian 1.89%

Black or African American 3.79%

Hispanic or Latino 24.24%

Unknown 4.55%

White 62.50%

Gender

female 2.70%

male 97.30%

Age - 36
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a tree chipper

  1. Explore tree chipper education requirements

    Most common tree chipper degrees

    High School Diploma

    45.5 %

    Associate

    27.3 %

    Bachelor's

    9.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific tree chipper skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Hand Saws100.00%
  3. Complete relevant tree chipper training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tree chippers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a tree chipper based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tree chipper resumes.
  4. Research tree chipper duties and responsibilities

    • Perform crown cleanings, cabling/bracing, crown reductions and other tasks under direction of an ISA certify arborist.
    • Work on casting to make sure gauges work and that they are AAR qualify.
  5. Apply for tree chipper jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a tree chipper job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first tree chipper job

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Average tree chipper salary

The average tree chipper salary in the United States is $46,715 per year or $22 per hour. Tree chipper salaries range between $23,000 and $92,000 per year.

Average tree chipper salary
$46,715 Yearly
$22.46 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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