How much does a Arborist make?
Arborists, professionals who care for trees, play a key role in maintaining healthy urban and natural landscapes. They typically earn a solid income for their expertise. The average yearly salary for an Arborist is around $60,619. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and specific duties.
A breakdown of salaries shows a wide range, influenced by different factors. The lowest-paid Arborists earn about $36,000 annually. Those with more experience and specialized skills can earn significantly more, with the top earners making up to $150,000 per year. This variety reflects the diverse nature of the work, from maintaining urban trees to managing large forested areas. In addition to base pay, Arborists may also receive benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, enhancing their overall compensation package.
What are the highest paying cities for a Arborist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $102,574
In San Francisco, tree care professionals enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere. Companies like Davey Tree and A-1 Tree Service offer great opportunities. The city's commitment to green spaces provides plenty of work.
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Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $89,222
Working in Tallahassee means dealing with a range of tree species. With employers like TreeNew York and Greenscapes, arborists enjoy steady work. The city's many parks and schools create consistent demand for tree care services.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $85,873
San Diego offers a Mediterranean climate, perfect for tree care. Companies such as Southern California Tree and Palm Tree Pros offer excellent career opportunities. The city's emphasis on maintaining its lush landscapes provides a steady job market.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $78,689
In Minneapolis, arborists benefit from four distinct seasons. Companies like Davey Tree and ArborCare provide numerous job openings. The city’s many parks and urban forests keep demand high throughout the year.
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Wilmington, NC
Average Salary: $76,266
Wilmington offers a warm climate with plenty of tree care needs. Employers like Carolina Tree Service and Wilmington Tree Pros offer solid job prospects. The city’s commitment to greenery ensures ongoing opportunities for tree care specialists.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $76,060
Stamford has a mix of urban and suburban areas, creating diverse work environments. Companies like Sterling Tree Service and Arbor Solutions offer good job opportunities. The city's many residential and commercial properties need regular tree care.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $74,688
Chicago offers a bustling urban environment for arborists. Companies such as Davey Tree and GreenPal provide many job opportunities. The city’s extensive tree canopy and green spaces keep the demand for tree care high.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $73,240
In Tampa, arborists enjoy a warm, sunny climate. Companies like A-1 Tree Service and Sunshine Tree Care offer numerous job prospects. The city's many parks and residential areas provide consistent work for tree care professionals.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $72,652
Buffalo's diverse climate presents unique challenges for tree care. Employers like Davey Tree and The Davey Tree Expert Company offer good career opportunities. The city’s numerous parks and residential areas ensure steady demand for tree services.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $72,439
Indianapolis offers a mix of urban and suburban settings. Companies such as Davey Tree and Absolute Tree Service provide many job opportunities. The city's focus on green spaces creates a steady need for tree care services.
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What are the best companies a Arborist can work for?

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SavATree
Average Salary: $114,594
SavATree is a leader in tree care. They offer Arborist jobs with a focus on tree health and safety. They operate across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.
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Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co.
Average Salary: $103,969
Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co. provides Arborist jobs in the Northeast US. They focus on both commercial and residential tree care. They offer a family-friendly work environment and chances to grow professionally.
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Ostvig Tree
Average Salary: $100,000
Ostvig Tree offers Arborist jobs with a strong emphasis on sustainability. They operate in the Midwest and West Coast. Employees work in a supportive team environment with opportunities for advancement.
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Joshua Tree Experts
Average Salary: $91,190
Joshua Tree Experts is known for its specialized tree care services. They offer Arborist jobs with a focus on preserving natural landscapes. They operate in California and Arizona. They offer competitive salaries and a positive work culture.
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Bartlett Tree Experts
Average Salary: $70,899
Bartlett Tree Experts provides Arborist jobs with a focus on safety and excellence. They operate nationwide. Employees receive training and have opportunities to advance in their careers.
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Homer Companies
Average Salary: $70,000
Homer Companies offers Arborist jobs with a strong emphasis on teamwork. They operate in the South and Southeast US. Employees work in a dynamic environment with chances for professional growth.
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ACRT, Inc.
Average Salary: $63,184
ACRT, Inc. provides Arborist jobs with a focus on community and environmental impact. They operate in several states across the US. They offer a collaborative work environment with opportunities for career development.
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Davey Tree
Average Salary: $53,333
Davey Tree offers Arborist jobs with a strong emphasis on education and training. They operate nationwide. Employees receive ongoing support and have chances to advance in their careers.
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Ryan Lawn and Tree
Average Salary: $47,214
Ryan Lawn and Tree provides Arborist jobs with a focus on customer service. They operate in the Northeast US. They offer a friendly work environment and opportunities for professional growth.
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ArborMetrics Solutions
Average Salary: $45,000
ArborMetrics Solutions offers Arborist jobs with a focus on data-driven tree care. They operate in the Pacific Northwest. They offer a collaborative work environment and chances for career advancement.
How to earn more as a Arborist?
Earning more as an arborist can happen with the right approach. To boost income, professionals need to focus on a few key areas. The first step is gaining the right certifications. These credentials show a commitment to the field and can open more job opportunities. Arborists with ISA-certified arborist status often see higher salaries and more client trust.
Networking plays a crucial role as well. Building strong connections with other professionals and potential clients leads to more job offers. Attending industry events and joining professional groups can help expand a network. An arborist who actively engages with others in the field often finds more work and better pay. Another way to earn more is by specializing in niche markets. Some arborists find success by focusing on areas like tree removal, urban forestry, or tree health care. Specialization allows an arborist to charge higher rates for expert services.
Taking care of personal equipment and vehicles also makes a difference. Keeping trucks and tools well-maintained reduces downtime and increases efficiency. This means more time on the job and higher earnings. Finally, learning new skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends keeps an arborist competitive. Continuous education leads to better job performance and higher pay.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as an arborist:
- Obtain relevant certifications.
- Network with industry professionals.
- Specialize in a niche market.
- Maintain personal equipment.
- Stay updated with industry trends.



