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Salary

How much does a Arborist make?

The average salary for a Arborist is $59,714 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Arborist?

Job seekers looking to become arborists should consider cities with higher average salaries. San Francisco, California, leads the way with an average salary of over $101,000. Following closely, San Diego, California, offers an average salary of around $85,000. Other notable cities include Phoenix, Arizona, with an average salary of nearly $84,000. Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Stamford, Connecticut, also provide competitive wages, making them attractive options for arborists seeking better pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Arborist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $101,888 and Indianapolis, IN with the lowest at $72,439.
  1. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  4. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  5. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in Stamford, CT


  6. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in Wilmington, NC


  7. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in Tampa, FL


  8. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in Buffalo, NY


  10. 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.
    Find Arborist jobs in Indianapolis, IN

What are the best companies a Arborist can work for?

Savory tree care companies often pay well. SavATree leads with an average salary of $112,354. Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co. follows closely with $108,012 per year. Both offer great opportunities for those skilled in tree care. Other notable companies include Ostvig Tree and Joshua Tree Experts. They provide competitive salaries around $103,364 and $96,810, respectively. Bartlett Tree Experts and Homer Companies also offer good pay at $71,724 and $70,000 per year.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Arborist jobs, highlighting SavATree with the highest at $112,354 and ArborMetrics Solutions with the lowest at $45,000.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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

Currently 175 Arborist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Arborist in the US?

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Arborist
175 Job Openings