Arborist
Climb trees. Run chainsaws. Save the canopy. Arborists prune, remove, and care for trees on residential and commercial properties — premium pay over general landscaping for the climbing, chainsaw, and biology skills.
Arborist goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Arborist trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Arborists climb (with rope or in bucket trucks) and run chainsaws to prune, remove, and cable trees. The work is physical, weather-exposed, and dangerous when done wrong — TCIA-accredited employers run the strongest safety culture.
Specializations diverge by service. Climbers work residential and commercial pruning and removals. Bucket Operators work the same with vehicle access. Plant Health Care diagnose tree disease and pests, prescribe treatments. Utility Arborists work line clearance for utilities — premium pay.
Most arborists work for tree-care contractors, utility line-clearance contractors, or municipal/parks departments. ISA Certified Arborist is the entry-credential that opens senior pay; municipal arborist jobs come with strong benefits and pension.
How you move up as an Arborist
ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) issues the dominant credentials. TCIA accredits tree care companies for safety standards. BLS OES 37-3013, May 2024.
Ground Worker — what this rung looks like
What Arborists earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the Arborist trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Arborist trade
Direct hire as ground worker
Most arborists come in as ground workers and work toward climbing certification on the job. National brands (Davey, Bartlett, SavATree, Asplundh) hire helpers without prior credentials.
Community College Arboriculture Programs
Some CCs run arboriculture certificates that prepare students for the ISA CA exam. Pell-eligible at most schools.
ISA Certification Path
CTW (Tree Worker) → CA (Certified Arborist) → BCMA (Board Certified Master Arborist) is the senior path. ISA →
Certifications that help
ISA Certified Tree Worker (CTW), ISA Certified Arborist (CA), ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA), ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), EHAP (electrical hazards), CDL Class B for chip trucks, state pesticide applicator license.
Common pathways into Arborist work
KinTrades welcomes Arborist workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Few direct military crosswalks specifically for arboriculture.
Army base civil engineering and Navy EA (Engineering Aide, Seabees) sometimes include grounds maintenance.
Asplundh and other utility line-clearance companies actively recruit veterans — the work is similar in pace and physical demand to military operations.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Arborist work generally requires age 18+ for chainsaw and aerial lift operation. Direct hire as ground worker requires no prior credentials.
ISA Certified Tree Worker exam is open to age 18+.
CC arboriculture programs bridge HS to certified arborist.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Tree-care contractors often hire on physical readiness — once you can climb a tree and run a chainsaw safely, your past matters less.
Utility line-clearance contractors run formal background checks because of utility-line proximity.
Municipal arborist roles run formal background checks for government employment.
Second-chance hiringIf Arborist interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming an Arborist
What does an Arborist do?
Arborists climb (with rope or in bucket trucks) and run chainsaws to prune, remove, and cable trees. The work is physical, weather-exposed, and dangerous when done wrong — TCIA-accredited employers run the strongest safety culture.
What does an Arborist make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, Arborists earn an annual median of $48K in Virginia (range $36K–$64K), $56K in DC ($42K–$74K), $50K in Maryland ($38K–$68K), and $42K in North Carolina ($32K–$58K).
How do you become an Arborist?
Direct hire as ground worker: Most arborists come in as ground workers and work toward climbing certification on the job. National brands (Davey, Bartlett, SavATree, Asplundh) hire helpers without prior credentials.
How long is Arborist apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1-2 years to climber. ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) issues the dominant credentials. TCIA accredits tree care companies for safety standards.
Is Arborist a good career path for someone with a record?
Tree-care contractors often hire on physical readiness — once you can climb a tree and run a chainsaw safely, your past matters less. Utility line-clearance contractors run formal background checks because of utility-line proximity. Municipal arborist roles run formal background checks for government employment.