How much does a Arborist make?
Arborists care for trees and shrubs, ensuring they are healthy and safe. They work in parks, forests, and private properties. The average yearly salary for an arborist is around $61,972. This means most arborists earn between $36,000 and $150,000 each year. The salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer.
The salary distribution shows that many arborists earn between $36,000 and $77,000. This range covers the lower and middle parts of the salary scale. A smaller number of arborists earn more than $100,000. These higher salaries often go to those with more experience or specialized skills. The highest earners in the field make over $139,000 a year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Arborist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $98,558
In San Francisco, tree care professionals enjoy a vibrant urban environment. The city's commitment to green spaces means arborists work with a variety of trees. Companies like Davey Tree and Urban Forestry Group offer great opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $92,307
San Jose provides a dynamic setting for tree care experts. The tech-driven city values its green areas, offering arborists steady work. Firms such as TruGreen and Arbor Care provide excellent career paths.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $88,902
San Diego's mild climate makes it a great place for arborists. The city's focus on maintaining its beautiful parks and gardens ensures a steady demand. Companies like TreeNewal and Tree Service San Diego are top employers.
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Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $79,328
Tallahassee offers a warm climate ideal for tree care. The city's emphasis on preserving its natural beauty creates many opportunities. Local firms like Tallahassee Tree Service and Arbor Care Solutions are hiring.
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Wilmington, NC
Average Salary: $76,266
Wilmington's coastal location means arborists deal with a variety of tree species. The city's dedication to green spaces provides a steady workload. Companies such as Wilmington Tree Service and Arbor Care NC offer good career prospects.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $75,745
Minneapolis offers a mix of urban and natural environments for arborists. The city's commitment to green spaces ensures a steady need for tree care. Companies like Arbor Care and Tree New York provide excellent opportunities.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $73,031
Buffalo's diverse landscapes offer a range of challenges for arborists. The city's focus on urban forestry creates many job opportunities. Firms such as Arbor Care and Tree Service Buffalo are looking for skilled professionals.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $72,276
Chicago's large urban area provides endless opportunities for arborists. The city's commitment to green spaces means a steady demand for tree care. Companies like Davey Tree and TreeNewal are top employers.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $71,863
Tampa's warm climate offers a great environment for arborists. The city's focus on maintaining its beautiful parks and gardens ensures a steady workload. Local firms like Tampa Tree Service and Arbor Care Solutions are hiring.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $70,320
Portland's love for nature makes it a great place for arborists. The city's commitment to green spaces provides many opportunities. Companies such as Arbor Care and Portland Tree Service offer excellent career paths.
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What are the best companies a Arborist can work for?

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SavATree
Average Salary: $119,829
SavATree offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and health. They work in many locations across the United States and Canada. Their Arborists often travel to different sites to maintain and improve tree health.
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Ostvig Tree
Average Salary: $96,133
Ostvig Tree provides Arborist jobs with a strong emphasis on tree care and safety. They operate in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon and Washington. Their Arborists work on a variety of projects, from residential to large-scale commercial sites.
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Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co.
Average Salary: $91,635
Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co. offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree and shrub care. They operate in the Boston area. Their Arborists work on both residential and commercial properties, ensuring the health and beauty of trees and shrubs.
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Joshua Tree Experts
Average Salary: $89,107
Joshua Tree Experts provides Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and maintenance. They operate in the Los Angeles area. Their Arborists work on a variety of projects, from small residential gardens to large commercial landscapes.
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THE CUTTING EDGE
Average Salary: $81,875
THE CUTTING EDGE offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and safety. They operate in the Midwest, including Illinois and Indiana. Their Arborists work on both residential and commercial properties, ensuring the health and safety of trees.
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Bartlett Tree Experts
Average Salary: $71,067
Bartlett Tree Experts provides Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and maintenance. They operate across the United States. Their Arborists work on a variety of projects, from small residential gardens to large commercial landscapes.
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Homer Companies
Average Salary: $70,000
Homer Companies offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and maintenance. They operate in the Northeast, including New York and New Jersey. Their Arborists work on both residential and commercial properties, ensuring the health and beauty of trees.
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Town of Barnstable
Average Salary: $62,810
The Town of Barnstable offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and maintenance. They operate on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Their Arborists work on both residential and commercial properties, ensuring the health and safety of trees.
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ACRT, Inc.
Average Salary: $62,168
ACRT, Inc. provides Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and maintenance. They operate in the Southeast, including Florida and Georgia. Their Arborists work on a variety of projects, from small residential gardens to large commercial landscapes.
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Davey Tree
Average Salary: $54,310
Davey Tree offers Arborist jobs with a focus on tree care and maintenance. They operate across the United States. Their Arborists work on both residential and commercial properties, ensuring the health and safety of trees.
How to earn more as a Arborist?
Arborists can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining specialized certifications can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Certifications from recognized organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) can set an arborist apart from the competition. These credentials demonstrate a higher level of expertise and can lead to more demanding and better-paying jobs.
Experience also plays a crucial role in earning potential. Arborists with more years in the field often command higher wages. Working on a variety of projects and gaining a broad range of skills can make an arborist more versatile and valuable to employers. Networking within the industry can lead to referrals and recommendations, which can result in higher-paying jobs. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or starting a private arborist business can significantly increase income. Finally, staying updated on the latest industry trends and technologies can make an arborist more efficient and effective, leading to higher earnings.
Here are five factors that can help an arborist earn more:
- Obtain specialized certifications
- Gain more years of experience
- Network within the industry
- Take on leadership roles or start a business
- Stay updated on industry trends and technologies