Tree trimmer vs tree cutter

The differences between tree trimmers and tree cutters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a tree trimmer has an average salary of $40,939, which is higher than the $38,948 average annual salary of a tree cutter.

The top three skills for a tree trimmer include work ethic, hand tools and CDL. The most important skills for a tree cutter are lawn care, safety devices, and rakes.

Tree trimmer vs tree cutter overview

	Tree Trimmer	Tree Cutter
Yearly salary	$40,939	$38,948
Hourly rate	$19.68	$18.73
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	3,590	5,386
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 61%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	-	-

Tree trimmer vs tree cutter salary

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

	Tree Trimmer	Tree Cutter
Average salary	$40,939	$38,948
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $55,000	Between $29,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City	Berkeley, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	University of California, Berkeley	-
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between tree trimmer and tree cutter education

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

	Tree Trimmer	Tree Cutter
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 61%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tree trimmer vs tree cutter demographics

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

	Tree Trimmer	Tree Cutter
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 95.2% Female, 4.8%	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 trimmer and tree cutter duties and responsibilities

Tree trimmer example responsibilities.

Tree boarding, bush trimming, and lawn mowing.
Complete CPR training and all safety courses.
Grind cleanup on job site each day by using back pack blowers, rakes etc.
Use knives and require PPE equipment to pull the flank steak out of the carcass.
Work closely with HACCP and the USDA to comply with all state and federal rules and regulations.
Used industry tools such as brush chippers, handsaws, pruning hooks, clippers, power pruners, shredders.

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 trimmer vs tree cutter skills

Common tree trimmer skills

Work Ethic, 23%
Hand Tools, 7%
CDL, 6%
Hand Saws, 5%
Bucket Truck, 5%
Lawn Care, 4%

Common tree cutter skills

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

Tree Trimmer vs. similar jobs

Tree Trimmer related careers

Tree Trimmer related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Building and Grounds Maintenance Industry
Tree Trimmer
Tree Trimmer vs Tree Cutter

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse building and grounds maintenance jobs