Tree work costs and wages in New Jersey
What tree trimmers and pruners earn in New Jersey, any permit fees the state sets, how many tree service companies are listed here and in which counties, and the state's licensing rules. Job prices aren't published for any one state, so our price ranges are national.
Checked October 2, 2026
Wages in New Jersey
Tree trimmers and pruners in New Jersey earn a median of $34.59 an hour, or $71,940 a year (BLS, May 2025). Half of them earn between $29.66 and $38.61 an hour, the 25th to 75th percentiles (BLS state file). That's above the national median of $24.50 an hour (BLS).
These are wages, not prices. A contractor's price also covers materials, equipment, insurance, overhead and profit, so a wage can't be turned into what a job costs you. BLS counts employees only, not the self-employed.
Permit fees New Jersey sets
Most permits come from your city or county, at fees each one sets. New Jersey sets the fees below for permits it issues itself. Check which office covers your address before you apply.
- NJDOT tree trimming permit on a state highway
- $395.00 to apply, plus a $130.00 permit fee. Only for work in a state highway right of way. (New Jersey Department of Transportation, checked October 2, 2026)
Companies in New Jersey
New Jersey has 1,076 tree service companies listed, and 529 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Of the counties with pages of their own, the largest are Morris County (126), Monmouth County (103), Bergen County (90), Somerset County (81) and Ocean County (80). Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to companies near you.
Tree work rules in New Jersey
New Jersey requires every tree care company to have at least one Licensed Tree Expert or Licensed Tree Care Operator and to register as a tree care business (New Jersey Board of Tree Experts).
National price ranges
National price ranges for tree work, each credited to its source, are in How much does tree removal cost?
For a planning range on your own job, run the estimator.
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Cite this page
“Tree work costs and wages in New Jersey.” InspecTree, updated October 2, 2026. https://inspectree.com/nj/costs/