Prevailing Wage for Tree Trimmers and Pruners
Prevailing wage for Tree Trimmers and Pruners (SOC 37-3013) is set by DOL using regional wage surveys, so the floor an arborist or climber must meet depends on both experience level and where the work is performed. DOL defines four levels from entry through fully competent, and the gap between the lowest- and highest-paying metros is substantial.
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Entry-level tree trimmers with limited hands-on experience, typically performing basic pruning tasks under direct supervision. Workers at this level are developing foundational skills in climbing techniques, equipment use, and safety protocols specific to arboricultural work.
The most common filing level for sponsored tree trimmer positions. Workers have established proficiency in climbing and rigging, handle moderate pruning assignments with general supervision, and demonstrate consistent competency across standard residential and commercial tree care tasks.
Experienced arborists and climbers who work independently, handle complex removals or high-canopy pruning, and may informally guide junior crew members. Employers typically require several years of demonstrated field experience and often specialized training or certifications.
Fully competent tree care professionals in senior or lead roles, overseeing crews, managing utility right-of-way contracts, or directing plant health care programs. Employers filing at this level expect the worker to train others and resolve non-routine field problems independently.
Prevailing Wage for Tree Trimmers and Pruners by OES area
Each shape is a DOL OES area, the unit prevailing wage is published for.
What’s an OES area?
The Department of Labor publishes prevailing wages for geographic zones called OES areas. Every U.S. county belongs to exactly one, and the wage floor applies across the whole area. A worker in Oakland gets the San Francisco metro wage, not a separate Oakland wage.
Top 10 cities · Level 1
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See which U.S. employers are actively hiring for Tree Trimmers and Pruners and sponsoring H-1B, OPT, and green card visas at or above the prevailing wage.
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Confirm whether your title matches SOC 37-3013
Roles posted as Grounds Worker, Plant Health Care Technician, or Laborer sometimes get filed under a different SOC, missing the tree trimmer prevailing wage floor entirely. Verify that your offer letter and LCA both reference SOC 37-3013 before signing.
Check prevailing wages in utility corridor markets
Employers with utility right-of-way contracts often operate across multiple worksites. The LCA wage must reflect the actual worksite city, so a contract based in Portland but worked in Seattle carries the Seattle prevailing wage floor, not Portland's lower rate.
Find employers who have sponsored arborists before
Migrate Mate shows which companies have a documented H-1B or green card sponsorship history for tree trimmer and arborist roles, so you can target employers already familiar with the LCA and prevailing wage process rather than educating a new one.
Account for seasonal comp structures in your wage calculation
Tree trimming work is often seasonal, and some employers structure pay with productivity bonuses or per-job rates. Only guaranteed, recurring wages count toward the prevailing wage floor; variable bonuses and piece-rate supplements do not satisfy the DOL requirement.
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Find Jobs for Tree Trimmers and PrunersPrevailing Wage by Reported Job Title
DOL classifies these titles under SOC 37-3013.00 alongside Tree Trimmers and Pruners, so the same four-tier wage schedule applies to each. Tap a title to see the full breakdown.
Arborist Prevailing Wage
Arborist Prevailing Wage
Arborist positions fall under SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Climber Prevailing Wage
Climber Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Climber for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Grounds Worker Prevailing Wage
Grounds Worker Prevailing Wage
Grounds Worker is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Groundsman Prevailing Wage
Groundsman Prevailing Wage
Groundsman positions fall under SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Laborer Prevailing Wage
Laborer Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Laborer for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Plant Health Care Technician Prevailing Wage
Plant Health Care Technician Prevailing Wage
Plant Health Care Technician is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Tree Climber Prevailing Wage
Tree Climber Prevailing Wage
Tree Climber positions fall under SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Tree Trimmer Prevailing Wage
Tree Trimmer Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Tree Trimmer for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Trimmer Prevailing Wage
Trimmer Prevailing Wage
Trimmer is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DOL set the prevailing wage for Tree Trimmers and Pruners?
DOL uses Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics through employer surveys in each metropolitan and nonmetropolitan area. For sponsored positions, employers submit a prevailing wage determination request to OFLC, which returns the applicable wage based on the SOC code, geographic area, and experience level selected for the role.
What do the four wage levels mean and how do I know which one applies to my offer?
DOL assigns Level 1 to entry workers under close supervision, Level 2 to qualified workers performing standard tasks with general oversight, Level 3 to experienced workers operating independently, and Level 4 to fully competent senior or lead workers. Your level should reflect your actual duties, supervisory independence, and years of relevant experience. The employer determines the level when filing the LCA, but you can cross-check it against OFLC wage data to confirm it fits your background.
Why does the prevailing wage for the same role vary so much between cities?
DOL calculates wages from regional Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys, so local labor market conditions drive the figures. A dense, high-cost market like San Francisco produces a much higher floor than a rural Southern metro. The worksite-on-LCA rule means the wage that applies is wherever you physically perform the work, not where the employer is headquartered. An arborist hired by a national contractor must be paid the prevailing wage for each city where trimming work actually occurs.
What happens if my job offer is below the prevailing wage for a sponsored position?
An employer cannot certify an LCA without attesting that the offered wage meets or exceeds the applicable prevailing wage. If the offer falls short, OFLC will not certify the application and USCIS will not approve the visa petition. The employer must either increase the offered salary to meet the floor or document a higher actual wage. Underpayment after approval can trigger DOL back-pay orders and debarment from future sponsorships.
How do I find and verify the prevailing wage for Tree Trimmers and Pruners in a specific U.S. location?
Use the OFLC Wage Search tool to look up SOC 37-3013 by metropolitan area or county. Enter the work location and experience level to retrieve the current DOL prevailing wage. For H-1B petitions, USCIS also accepts private wage surveys meeting regulatory standards, but the OFLC Wage Search is the most straightforward verification method. Migrate Mate can help you identify which employers have sponsored tree trimmer and arborist roles in your target metro.
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