Pruners
Description OES Code: 79033
Pruners use hand and power tools to trim and shape bushes, shrubs, and trees.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.81
25th Percentile $10.25
50th Percentile $12.80
75th Percentile $15.92

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.87
25th Percentile $7.98
50th Percentile $8.83
75th Percentile $10.26

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 3,400
Projected Employment 2008 4,700
Percent Change 1998-2008 38.2%
Separations 1998-2008 1,200

Employment Trends by California County

Getting the Job & Other Information
It is relatively easy to find work as a pruner. Altough pruning is a seasonal job in many parts of the country, relatively permanent positions are available at places with a lot of plants to care for, like golf courses, cemetaries, nurseries, and parks departments.

Education and Training
Pruners learn their skills on the job, and there are no specific educational requirements in this field. However, the following instructional program may be helpful to individuals seeking employment as a pruner, or seeking to become self-employed as pruners: Crop production operations and management. An instructional program that prepares individuals to operate enterprises producing cereal grain, fiber, forage, oilseed, tree fruits and nuts, small fruits, vegetables and other plant products. Includes instruction in soils, plant nutrition, plant diseases, pest management, harvesting and marketing.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Skills & Other Requirements
Pruners must possess a good eye for creating even lines and the ability to envision and create forms that appear balanced. They need to be able to work quickly and carefully. Physical strength is essential, as is the ability to work long hours while standing, bending, twisting, and using heavy, noisy equipment. Having alergies to certain plants could be an obstacle in certain cases.

References
Related Occupations: Gardeners & Groundskeepers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)