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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.
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
| Status | Typical Salary |
|---|---|
| No certification | $30,000–$45,000 |
| ISA Certified Arborist (CA) | $55,000–$85,000 |
| ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) | $80,000–$130,000 |
| ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) | $90,000–$160,000 |
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
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $58,000–$78,000 |
| New York | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Texas | $48,000–$68,000 |
| Florida | $45,000–$65,000 |
| Oregon | $55,000–$72,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,000–$68,000 |
| Illinois | $52,000–$70,000 |
| National average | $48,000–$65,000 |
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 | Pay Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Specialist | Power line clearance | $65,000–$100,000 |
| Municipal Specialist | Urban forestry | $60,000–$90,000 |
| Aerial Lift Specialist | Bucket truck operations | $55,000–$85,000 |
| Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) | All arboriculture; highest ISA credential | $80,000–$130,000 |
| ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) | Expert consulting; independent credential | $90,000–$180,000 |
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 5% growth in grounds maintenance and arborist roles through 2032 — about average. 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
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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