Arborists are more than tree climbers — they are trained specialists who protect urban forests, advise on tree risk, and manage multimillion-dollar landscapes. Here’s what arborists earn in 2026.
Pay at a Glance (BLS Data)
The closest occupation the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports is Tree Trimmers and Pruners, so treat these figures as a guide.
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,940 | $18.24 |
| 25th | $44,840 | $21.56 |
| 50th (median) | $50,960 | $24.50 |
| 75th | $63,900 | $30.72 |
| 90th | $80,310 | $38.61 |
| Average (mean) | $55,970 | $26.91 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for Tree Trimmers and Pruners (all industries). Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. “Not published” means BLS withheld the estimate, usually because wages are above its top reporting limit.
Arborist Salary Overview
By Career Level
| Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level tree worker / laborer | $30,000–$42,000 |
| Ground crew / trainee arborist | $38,000–$50,000 |
| Climbing arborist (journeyman) | $45,000–$65,000 |
| ISA Certified Arborist | $55,000–$85,000 |
| Lead arborist / crew foreman | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Consulting arborist (ASCA RCA) | $90,000–$160,000 |
| Tree service owner (5–15 employees) | $100,000–$250,000+ |
ISA Certification Pay Premium
ISA certification generally raises pay: certified arborists earn more than uncertified tree workers, and the Board Certified Master Arborist credential, the ISA’s highest, sits at the top of the range. BLS data for tree trimmers and pruners above gives the overall pay spread.
Arborist Type by Pay
| Career Path | Earning Model | Annual Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing arborist (residential company) | Hourly + commission | $45,000–$75,000 |
| Utility arborist (right-of-way) | Salary + per diem | $60,000–$100,000 |
| Municipal arborist (city) | Government salary + benefits | $55,000–$90,000 |
| Consulting arborist (self-employed) | $150–$400/hr | $80,000–$180,000 |
| Tree service owner | Company revenue | $100,000–$250,000+ |
Arborist Salary by State
| Rank | State | Avg Salary | Starting Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $73,630 | $51,220 | $75,440 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $72,860 | $63,580 | $77,460 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $69,760 | $52,830 | $71,940 |
| 4 | Washington | $66,980 | $44,530 | $63,850 |
| 5 | Illinois | $66,850 | $50,300 | $64,450 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $66,100 | $49,020 | $62,550 |
| 7 | California | $63,610 | $35,750 | $62,550 |
| 8 | New York | $63,130 | $41,600 | $62,400 |
| 9 | Rhode Island | $61,150 | $59,880 | $61,040 |
| 10 | Vermont | $61,040 | $48,340 | $62,170 |
| 11 | Utah | $59,890 | $52,070 | $56,890 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $59,450 | $46,800 | $58,200 |
| 13 | Hawaii | $58,610 | $46,310 | $56,990 |
| 14 | Montana | $58,520 | $46,950 | $59,580 |
| 15 | Wisconsin | $58,290 | $45,880 | $57,930 |
| 16 | Missouri | $57,080 | $37,560 | $61,140 |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $56,750 | $47,320 | $59,660 |
| 18 | Delaware | $56,250 | $47,950 | $49,330 |
| 19 | Connecticut | $55,680 | $37,670 | $48,930 |
| 20 | Michigan | $55,630 | $45,500 | $57,550 |
| 21 | South Dakota | $54,370 | $40,040 | $50,430 |
| 22 | Colorado | $54,020 | $47,600 | $51,390 |
| 23 | New Mexico | $52,530 | $45,070 | $47,330 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $52,020 | $36,130 | $48,480 |
| 25 | Maine | $51,920 | $40,070 | $46,430 |
| 26 | Kansas | $51,250 | $39,050 | $48,400 |
| 27 | Ohio | $51,230 | $44,990 | $49,650 |
| 28 | Arizona | $50,920 | $37,510 | $50,680 |
| 29 | Idaho | $50,860 | $41,080 | $43,840 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $50,310 | $28,270 | $46,210 |
| 31 | Nevada | $50,170 | $39,850 | $51,210 |
| 32 | Virginia | $49,800 | $38,930 | $48,550 |
| 33 | Maryland | $49,510 | $39,310 | $47,210 |
| 34 | West Virginia | $49,360 | $36,350 | $49,140 |
| 35 | Louisiana | $48,450 | $33,400 | $47,350 |
| 36 | Oklahoma | $48,030 | $38,110 | $46,950 |
| 37 | Tennessee | $47,570 | $38,060 | $47,350 |
| 38 | Arkansas | $47,180 | $28,950 | $45,650 |
| 39 | Indiana | $47,100 | $37,900 | $46,050 |
| 40 | Georgia | $46,610 | $26,210 | $46,910 |
| 41 | Florida | $45,670 | $28,690 | $46,070 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $45,260 | $29,960 | $43,660 |
| 43 | North Dakota | $45,130 | $32,010 | $44,820 |
| 44 | Iowa | $44,890 | $20,440 | $42,890 |
| 45 | Mississippi | $44,550 | $35,650 | $41,560 |
| 46 | Nebraska | $43,990 | $37,130 | $39,380 |
| 47 | Alabama | $43,700 | $33,350 | $41,500 |
| 48 | Kentucky | $43,690 | $26,890 | $44,410 |
| 49 | Texas | $42,510 | $35,610 | $39,880 |
| — | National | $55,970 | $37,940 | $50,960 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 estimates, fetched 2026-09-29. Figures cover Tree Trimmers and Pruners (cross-industry). Some states are omitted where BLS did not publish a reliable estimate.
ISA Certification Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience required | 3 years full-time arboriculture work |
| Exam format | 200 multiple-choice questions |
| Exam cost | $220 (ISA member) / $310 (non-member) |
| Recertification | 30 CEUs per 3-year cycle |
| Exam topics | Tree biology, pruning, diagnosis, soil, safety |
ISA Specialty Certifications
| Credential | Focus |
|---|---|
| Utility Specialist | Power line clearance |
| Municipal Specialist | Urban forestry |
| Aerial Lift Specialist | Bucket truck operations |
| Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) | All arboriculture; highest ISA credential |
| ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) | Expert consulting; independent credential |
Consulting Arborist Services and Rates
| Service Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Tree risk assessment | $150–$400/tree |
| Pre-construction tree protection plan | $500–$3,000 |
| Tree appraisal / valuation | $300–$1,500/report |
| Litigation expert witness | $200–$400/hr |
| Insurance damage report | $200–$600/report |
Job Outlook
BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) projects steady projected demand in grounds maintenance and arborist roles through 2035. However, the urban forestry industry is expanding significantly as cities prioritize climate resilience, tree canopy coverage requirements, and green infrastructure. ISA-certified arborists face a skills shortage in many markets.
Related Guides
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See every profession in our salary by profession guides.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
- U.S. Department of Labor. “Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act.” dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
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