Tree Trimmers and Pruners Salary in Modesto, CA
In Modesto, CA, tree trimmers and pruners earn $68,120 at the median — $32.75 an hour. The range runs from $49K at the entry level to $81K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 104.11), that's roughly $65,431 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,758/month — about 39.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $68K get you in Modesto?
About tree trimmers and pruners
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Modesto, CA
Entry-level tree trimmers and pruners (10th percentile) start around $49K. Mid-career wages sit at $68K.Top earners bring in $81K or more - a $32K spread from bottom to top.
Tree Trimmers and Pruners pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $85K | +68% | 30 |
| Minnesota | $68K | +35% | 140 |
| Illinois | $65K | +28% | 1,090 |
| Rhode Island | $64K | +27% | 110 |
| Oregon | $63K | +26% | 1,180 |
| California | $63K | +25% | 8,620 |
| New York | $62K | +23% | 2,520 |
| Washington | $62K | +22% | 630 |
| New Jersey | $62K | +22% | 1,540 |
| Hawaii | $61K | +20% | 180 |
| Vermont | $60K | +20% | 330 |
| Massachusetts | $60K | +19% | N/A |
| New Hampshire | $58K | +15% | 470 |
| Maine | $58K | +15% | 60 |
| Utah | $54K | +7% | 440 |
Track tree trimmers and pruners salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Modesto numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do tree trimmers and pruners make in Modesto, CA?
The median is $68,120 a year - that works out to about $32.75 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,250, and experienced tree trimmers and pruners can clear $81,160. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $68K enough to live in Modesto?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,480/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,758/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 39.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a tree trimmers and pruners salary go in Modesto?
Modesto has a Regional Price Parity of 104.11 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median tree trimmers and pruners salary is worth about $65,431 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do tree trimmers and pruners get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.