Also called: Pruner, Vineyard Worker, Orchard Worker
Prunes, thins, and trains fruit trees and grapevines so they grow the best fruit.
Winter pruning crews move down rows with loppers and electric shears, cutting each tree or vine to a pattern that determines next year's crop. Skilled pruners are paid well because their cuts shape the harvest.
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. No degree; you join a pruning crew and learn each crop's pruning style on the job over about a season.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 45-2092: Decline (-1% or lower).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Pruning robots for vines and trees are in trials; skilled hand pruning holds through 2031 but may thin out after.
Age 16+. One way to start: Ask orchards and vineyards about winter pruning crews; you learn each crop’s style on the job
Classes: Agriculture science, Biology, Spanish.
Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2092.
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