How much does a Arborist make?
Arborists help care for trees, shrubs, and vines. They work in forests, parks, and cities. Their job makes our environment healthier. Arborists earn a good salary for their work. The average yearly salary for an arborist is about $58,531. This means they earn a steady income for taking care of our trees.
Arborists earn different amounts based on their experience. Here is a look at their earnings:
- 20% earn less than $32,827
- 50% earn less than $54,131
- 80% earn less than $86,088
- 90% earn less than $128,696
- 95% earn less than $139,348
This range shows that arborists can expect their pay to grow as they gain more experience. This job is rewarding both financially and for the environment.
What are the highest paying cities for a Arborist?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $102,564
In San Francisco, tree care professionals can find work with local landscape companies and municipal parks. Notable firms include Green Urban Works and The Tree Service. The city’s lush environment provides plenty of opportunities.
Find Arborist jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $95,633
San Diego offers a warm climate and a demand for tree services year-round. Companies like ArborCare Tree Service and Green Thumb Landscape hire arborists to maintain the city’s green spaces. The coastal setting makes for diverse tree care challenges.
Find Arborist jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $84,230
In Phoenix, tree care experts can work with landscapers and utility companies. Firms such as TreeNewal and Tree Pro Services need skilled arborists. The desert environment means a focus on drought-resistant trees.
Find Arborist jobs in Phoenix, AZ
-
Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $80,883
Minneapolis has a strong need for arborists to care for its many parks and urban forests. Companies like Davey Tree and Arbor Care Solutions offer job opportunities. The city’s commitment to green spaces is evident in its job market.
Find Arborist jobs in Minneapolis, MN
-
Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $79,517
Stamford offers a mix of urban and suburban areas, with many opportunities for tree care. Companies such as Tree Care Safety and Davey Tree provide jobs. The city’s commitment to maintaining its tree canopy is strong.
Find Arborist jobs in Stamford, CT
-
Wilmington, NC
Average Salary: $75,929
In Wilmington, arborists can find work with local landscape companies and in public parks. Notable firms include Coastal Tree Service and Tree Master. The coastal climate presents unique challenges and opportunities for tree care.
Find Arborist jobs in Wilmington, NC
-
Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $75,757
Tampa’s warm climate means tree care is in demand year-round. Companies such as Urban Forestry Solutions and The Tree Guys hire arborists. The area’s diverse vegetation offers varied work for professionals.
Find Arborist jobs in Tampa, FL
-
Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $72,737
Chicago offers a robust job market for arborists, with numerous landscape companies and public parks. Firms like Davey Tree and Arbor Care provide many opportunities. The city’s commitment to urban forestry is evident in its job market.
Find Arborist jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $72,652
Buffalo has a strong need for tree care professionals to maintain its urban and suburban areas. Companies such as Davey Tree and Green Thumb Landscape hire arborists. The city’s cold climate offers unique challenges for tree care.
Find Arborist jobs in Buffalo, NY
-
Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $72,439
In Indianapolis, tree care experts can find work with landscapers and municipal parks. Firms like Arbor Care Solutions and Davey Tree provide many opportunities. The city’s commitment to green spaces creates a steady demand for arborists.
Find Arborist jobs in Indianapolis, IN
What are the best companies a Arborist can work for?

-
SavATree
Average Salary: $114,288
SavATree offers Arborist positions with a focus on tree care and forest conservation. The company operates across the United States, with strong presence in regions like California, Florida, and Texas.
-
Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co.
Average Salary: $110,392
Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co. provides Arborist jobs with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices. The company serves the Northeastern U.S., including states like Massachusetts and New York.
-
Joshua Tree Experts
Average Salary: $98,942
Joshua Tree Experts is known for its Arborist positions that focus on urban forestry and landscape management. They operate throughout the Southwestern U.S., with key offices in Arizona and New Mexico.
-
Bartlett Tree Experts
Average Salary: $71,885
Bartlett Tree Experts offers Arborist roles with a range of projects from residential to commercial tree care. They have a nationwide presence, with prominent locations in cities like Seattle, Washington, and Chicago, Illinois.
-
Homer Companies
Average Salary: $70,000
Homer Companies provides Arborist positions focusing on tree health and maintenance. They operate in several states, including Colorado and Utah.
-
ACRT, Inc.
Average Salary: $66,641
ACRT, Inc. offers Arborist jobs that emphasize tree risk assessment and management. They serve clients in various states, including Oregon and Washington.
-
Davey Tree
Average Salary: $50,081
Davey Tree offers Arborist positions with a focus on tree care and urban forestry. The company operates across the United States, with strong presence in states like Michigan and Ohio.
-
ArborMetrics Solutions
Average Salary: $45,000
ArborMetrics Solutions provides Arborist roles focused on tree health and urban forestry. They operate in several states, including Virginia and Maryland.
-
Lucas Tree Expert Co, Inc
Average Salary: $41,575
Lucas Tree Expert Co, Inc. offers Arborist positions with a focus on tree health and maintenance. They serve the Southeastern U.S., with key offices in Georgia and South Carolina.
How to earn more as a Arborist?
Becoming a skilled arborist offers many opportunities for career growth and higher earnings. To increase income in this field, one must focus on a few key areas. Gaining additional certifications can open up new job opportunities and higher pay rates. These might include certification in tree risk assessment, hazardous tree management, or urban forestry. Continuing education allows arborists to stay updated on the latest techniques and best practices, making them more valuable to employers.
Another effective strategy is to specialize in a niche area of arboriculture. This could mean focusing on large-scale tree maintenance, tree health care, or arboriculture consulting. Specializing can make an arborist more attractive to clients seeking specific expertise. Networking with other professionals in the field can lead to referrals and new job opportunities. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in community events can all help in building a strong professional network. Finally, starting one’s own arborist business can lead to significant income growth. Owning a business allows for control over work schedule and client selection, and it offers the potential for higher profits.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Gain additional certifications.
- Specialize in a niche area.
- Build a strong professional network.
- Consider owning a business.
- Stay updated with continuing education.



