How much does a Arborist make?
Arborists work with trees and other plants to ensure they are healthy and safe. This job includes pruning, trimming, and sometimes removing trees. It's a role that requires a lot of outdoor work and knowledge about plants. People in this job can earn a good living. The average yearly salary for an arborist is around $59,714. Many arborists can make more, depending on their experience and location.
The pay for arborists can vary a lot. The lowest 10% earn less than $34,000 per year. Most arborists fall in the middle, earning between $44,545 and $86,727 a year. The top 10% earn over $118,364 annually. Some arborists might make even more if they work in big cities or have special skills. Experience and education also play a big part in how much an arborist makes. Those with more years in the field and advanced degrees often earn higher salaries.
What are the highest paying cities for a Arborist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $101,888
In San Francisco, tree care professionals enjoy a mild climate and a vibrant community. The city's commitment to green spaces means tree experts have plenty of work. Notable companies like Davey Tree and Arbor Care offer rewarding career opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $85,547
San Diego's warm weather makes it ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors. With a focus on preserving the natural beauty of the area, professionals find jobs with companies like Tree Newal and The Davey Tree Expert Company.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $84,230
Working in Phoenix provides tree care specialists with a chance to thrive in a growing city. The desert climate offers unique challenges and opportunities to showcase skills. Companies such as Arizona Tree Surgeons and Desert Tree Services are looking for skilled workers.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $80,883
Minneapolis is known for its extensive tree cover and commitment to urban forestry. Tree care professionals enjoy a variety of projects, from residential to commercial. Firms like Tree Folks and Arborist Services Co. are known employers in the city.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $77,746
Stamford offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, providing diverse opportunities in tree care. Professionals benefit from a growing interest in landscaping and tree preservation. Companies like Sterling Tree Experts and Connecticut Tree Care are prominent in the area.
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Wilmington, NC
Average Salary: $77,497
In Wilmington, tree care experts enjoy a moderate climate and a focus on coastal ecosystems. The area's need for tree maintenance in both commercial and residential settings creates good job prospects. Companies like Tree Service USA and Coastal Tree are hiring.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $75,757
Tampa’s warm, humid climate means tree care work is a year-round activity. The city’s commitment to maintaining its lush greenery offers many opportunities. Local companies like All-Star Tree Service and Tampa Tree Experts are actively recruiting.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $73,740
Chicago's extensive urban tree canopy and commitment to green initiatives provide plenty of work for tree care professionals. The city’s diverse environments offer a range of projects. Companies such as Davey Tree and Chicago Tree Service are key employers.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $72,652
Buffalo's focus on preserving its large tree populations offers many opportunities for tree care specialists. The city's commitment to green spaces ensures steady demand for skilled workers. Firms like Arbor Care and Western New York Tree Service are prominent.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $72,439
Indianapolis provides a mix of urban and suburban environments for tree care professionals. The city’s dedication to maintaining its tree cover offers diverse work opportunities. Companies such as Preferred Tree Care and Indianapolis Tree Service are actively hiring.
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What are the best companies a Arborist can work for?

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SavATree
Average Salary: $112,354
SavATree offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree and shrub health. They operate in many areas across North America, including major cities and rural regions. Their work involves tree care, risk assessment, and preservation.
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Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co.
Average Salary: $108,012
At Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co., Arborists work on maintaining and improving urban landscapes. They serve clients in New England, providing services from tree health evaluations to pruning and planting. The company values environmental stewardship.
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Ostvig Tree
Average Salary: $103,364
Ostvig Tree is a leading company in tree care, offering Arborist positions that focus on safety and urban forestry. They work throughout the Pacific Northwest. Their services include tree removal, cabling, and planting.
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Joshua Tree Experts
Average Salary: $96,810
Joshua Tree Experts provides Arborist jobs with a focus on tree preservation and urban forestry. They work in Southern California, delivering services such as tree risk assessment, pruning, and planting. The company emphasizes sustainable practices.
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Bartlett Tree Experts
Average Salary: $71,724
Bartlett Tree Experts is one of the oldest and largest tree care companies. Arborists at Bartlett work on preserving urban trees across the United States. Their services include tree risk assessment, cabling, and planting.
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Homer Companies
Average Salary: $70,000
Homer Companies offer Arborist jobs that focus on tree health and safety. They operate in the Midwest and the East Coast, providing services such as tree pruning, cabling, and planting. Their work helps maintain urban landscapes.
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ACRT, Inc.
Average Salary: $64,323
ACRT, Inc. provides Arborist jobs with a focus on urban forestry and tree care. They serve clients in the Midwest, offering services such as tree planting, pruning, and health evaluations. The company emphasizes sustainable practices.
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Davey Tree
Average Salary: $51,121
Davey Tree offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and safety. They operate across the United States, providing services such as tree pruning, cabling, and planting. The company aims to preserve urban trees.
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Ryan Lawn and Tree
Average Salary: $48,833
Ryan Lawn and Tree provides Arborist jobs that focus on tree care and maintenance. They serve clients in the Midwest, offering services such as pruning, cabling, and planting. The company values environmental stewardship.
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ArborMetrics Solutions
Average Salary: $45,000
ArborMetrics Solutions offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree risk assessment and management. They serve clients in the Eastern United States, providing services such as tree inspections and planting. The company emphasizes safety and sustainability.
How to earn more as a Arborist?
Becoming an arborist offers the chance to earn more by advancing skills and gaining experience in the field. Different strategies can help arborists increase their income. These include getting certified, specializing in niche services, expanding service areas, using technology, and joining a cooperative.
First, getting certified can lead to higher pay. Arborists with certifications from recognized bodies, such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), often earn more. Certifications show employers that an arborist has the knowledge and skills to perform tasks safely and effectively. Second, specializing in niche services, like tree surgery or urban forestry, can increase earning potential. Niche services often command higher prices because they require specific skills. Expanding the service area can lead to more job opportunities and higher earnings. This can involve traveling to different cities or regions to offer services. Using technology can also boost an arborist's income. Drones and GPS tools can make tree care work more efficient and accurate. Lastly, joining a cooperative allows arborists to share resources and clients, leading to more work and higher earnings.
Investing in these areas can help arborists earn more and build a successful career.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Certifications
- Specialization
- Expanding Service Area
- Technology Use
- Joining a Cooperative



