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Building & Maintenance · California

How to Become a Tree Trimmers and Pruners in California

Tree Trimmers and Pruners in California earn a median salary of $62,550/year, which is 23% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.4%. After taxes and rent, a tree trimmers and pruners takes home approximately $2,984/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$63K
Median salary in California
+23%
vs. national average
3.4%
State income tax
9,610
Employed in California

What a tree trimmers and pruners can afford in California

Gross annual salary$62,550
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.4% state tax)$4,183/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,199/mo
Rent as % of take-home28.7% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$62,550/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,984/mo

Becoming a tree trimmers and pruners in California

1

Meet education requirements

Tree Trimmers and Pruners positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many tree trimmers and pruners positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for tree trimmers and prunerss. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 9,610 tree trimmers and pruners. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Santa Rosa-Petaluma.

Tree Trimmers and Pruners salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$76K$36.53/hr990
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$74K$35.37/hr190
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$64K$30.59/hr650
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$64K$30.54/hr70
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$64K$30.53/hr800
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$63K$30.49/hr710
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$62K$29.81/hr200
Modesto$61K$29.46/hr140
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$60K$29.06/hr3,150
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$60K$28.97/hr1,270
Bakersfield-Delano$60K$28.88/hr120
Salinas$60K$28.88/hr80
Fresno$60K$28.84/hr220
Stockton-Lodi$50K$24.13/hr70
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$48K$22.94/hr110

Tree Trimmers and Pruners salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$36K
25th percentile
$47K
Median (50th)
$63K
75th percentile
$79K
90th percentile (senior)
$92K
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Full tree trimmers and pruners salary breakdown in California
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After federal + 3.4% state tax
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Tree Trimmers and Pruners careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a tree trimmers and pruners make in California?

The median tree trimmers and pruners salary in California is $62,550 per year ($30.07/hr). This is 23% above the national median of $50,960. Salaries range from $35,750 to $92,270.

What are the requirements to become a tree trimmers and pruners in California?

Tree Trimmers and Pruners positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a tree trimmers and pruners afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $62,550, a tree trimmers and pruners in California would take home approximately $4,183/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,199/month, that's 28.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for tree trimmers and pruners in California?

The highest paying metro areas for tree trimmers and pruners in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($75,980), Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($73,570), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($63,630). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for tree trimmers and pruners?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.4%. On a $62,550 salary, this means roughly $2,102/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.