Tree climber vs tree cutter

The differences between tree climbers and tree cutters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a tree climber has an average salary of $42,833, which is higher than the $38,948 average annual salary of a tree cutter.

The top three skills for a tree climber include CDL, bucket truck and hand tools. The most important skills for a tree cutter are lawn care, safety devices, and rakes.

Tree climber vs tree cutter overview

	Tree Climber	Tree Cutter
Yearly salary	$42,833	$38,948
Hourly rate	$20.59	$18.73
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	9,285	5,386
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 61%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	-	-

Tree climber vs tree cutter salary

Tree climbers and tree cutters have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tree Climber	Tree Cutter
Average salary	$42,833	$38,948
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $58,000	Between $29,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City	Santa Clara, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Cagwin & Dorward	-
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	-

Differences between tree climber and tree cutter education

There are a few differences between a tree climber and a tree cutter in terms of educational background:

	Tree Climber	Tree Cutter
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 61%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tree climber vs tree cutter demographics

Here are the differences between tree climbers' and tree cutters' demographics:

	Tree Climber	Tree Cutter
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%	Male, 95.2% Female, 4.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 1.0% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%	Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 1.0% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between tree climber and tree cutter duties and responsibilities

Tree climber example responsibilities.

Trim, top, and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes and to remove low-hanging branches.
Adhere to all ANSI and OSHA guidelines, to include company guidelines.
Cut branches from trees, using chainsaws, handsaws, clippers, etc.
Drag brush, chuck logs, run rope, removals, prune, clean out, rigging.
Drive CDL require company vehicles.
Spread rock with shovels and bobcats.

Tree cutter example responsibilities.

Trim, top, and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes and to remove low-hanging branches.
Operate chain saws, stump grinders, wood chippers, skid loaders, trailer trucks, and other tree service equipment.
Collect debris and refuse from tree trimming and removal operations into piles, using shovels, rakes and other tools.
Trim with pruners and pole see from the ground.
Assist with lawn mowing and landscaping.
Purchase, lease or rent required equipment including skid steer, mowers, extend trailers, etc.

Tree climber vs tree cutter skills

Common tree climber skills

CDL, 24%
Bucket Truck, 13%
Hand Tools, 11%
Lawn Care, 10%
Aerial Lift, 8%
Line Clearance, 6%

Common tree cutter skills

Lawn Care, 77%
Safety Devices, 7%
Rakes, 2%
Prune, 2%
Handsaws, 2%
Trim Trees, 2%

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Tree Climber vs Tree Cutter

Updated January 8, 2025

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