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Apprentice Arborist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Apprentice Arborist information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice arborist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice arborist in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice arborist?

Apprentice arborists are individuals who are training to become certified arborists, learning the skills and knowledge required to care for and maintain trees. They typically work under the supervision of experienced arborists, assisting with tasks such as pruning, planting, removing trees, and diagnosing tree health issues. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and may include classroom instruction, helping apprentices gain industry-recognized qualifications. Over time, apprentice arborists develop expertise in tree biology, safety practices, and the use of specialized equipment, preparing them for advanced roles in tree care.

What does an apprentice arborist do?

As an Apprentice Arborist, your first year typically involves hands-on training under the supervision of experienced arborists. You'll assist with tree planting, pruning, and removal, as well as learn to operate specialized equipment safely. Apprentice Arborists often help with ground operations, such as clearing debris, preparing work sites, and conducting basic tree health assessments. You'll also be introduced to safety protocols, proper tool use, and the basics of tree biology. Collaboration with your team is essential, as you'll work closely with climbers and crew leaders to support the safe and efficient completion of each project.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an apprentice arborist?

To thrive as an Apprentice Arborist, you need a basic understanding of tree biology, safety protocols, and physical fitness, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with chainsaws, climbing equipment, and industry safety standards (such as OSHA) is typically required, and some employers may prefer certifications like CPR or first aid. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and a willingness to learn help individuals excel in this hands-on, outdoor role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, effective tree care, and professional growth in arboriculture.

What is the difference between Apprentice Arborist vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectApprentice ArboristTree Trimmer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; on-the-job training; some certificationsHigh school diploma; often on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, working with trees, climbing, and equipmentOutdoor, focusing on trimming and pruning
Industry UsageUsed in professional tree care, landscaping, and utility workPrimarily in landscaping and property maintenance

Apprentice Arborists are in training to become skilled tree care professionals, often working alongside experienced arborists. They learn climbing, pruning, and safety techniques. Tree Trimmers focus mainly on trimming and pruning trees to maintain safety and aesthetics. While both work outdoors and require safety certifications, Apprentice Arborists typically undergo more comprehensive training and may pursue certifications like ISA Arborist Certification, making them more versatile in tree care.

What is an apprentice arborist apprenticeship?

An apprentice arborist apprenticeship is a training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction to teach skills in tree care, pruning, and safety procedures. It typically lasts 1 to 3 years and prepares individuals for certification and a career in arboriculture by providing hands-on work with tools and equipment under supervision.

What are the most commonly searched types of Arborist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Arborist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Arborist jobs in California?

For Apprentice Arborist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Arborist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Arborist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Arborist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Apprentice Arborist job openings:

Apprentice Arborist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Arborist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

APPRENTICESHIP - Tree Care, Grounds-person, Landscape

The Professional Tree Care Company

Richmond, CA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

  • Would you like to be PAID TO TRAIN as a professional Tree Climber?
  • Is your California Driver’s license CURRENT AND CLEAN (NO POINTS)? 
  • Do you live within a 35-minute commute of Richmond, CA? 
  • If so, please keep reading....

Professional Tree Care is hiring physically fit trainees who would like to join our Grounds-to-Climber Apprenticeship program. This is a self-paced program designed for self-starters; those who are willing to gather with work mates on weekends to learn knots, practice climbing, and help each other on the way to becoming ISA-certified Tree Climbers. (See: isa-arbor (dot) com & International Society of Arboriculture.) All apprentices must meet these minimum requirements:
1) Have a CURRENT and CLEAN California Driver’s License plus reliable transportation. (This is a DEAL BREAKER! No clean license & reliable transportation = no job since our site is not reachable by public transportation.)
2) Have 3/THREE years of work experience since getting your G.E.D. or high school diploma. 
3) You are physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds and, once trained, able to hoist/pull yourself up into a tree using ropes and pulleys.
4) Able to work outdoors year-round in Northern California weather: rain, direct sun, etc.
5) Able to run, walk, and hustle (work fast) for up to 8 hours per day.
6) NOT afraid of heights. (See YouTube video of James Kilpatrick, Best Climber in the United States: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06_mqi9Pid4)
7) You are seeking a career, not a job. To become a good Gounds-person quickly, one must study on your own time. This is a self-paced Apprenticeship, meaning you study books and can move up as quickly as you can learn knots, climbing techniques and show your crew you can ascend safely. If you have down time in the morning or evenings, this might be a great career for you. If you have commitments after work or have been a couch potato for several years, this is NOT the job for you. Check out ( https://www.isa-arbor.com/) for details on getting your ISA Grounds-person and ISA Tree Climber certifications. These may be required in the future before advancing to the next level.
8) You must have reliable transportation (a car or truck?) to the job site, which cannot be reached by public transportation, Uber, scooter, or bike. We work from Napa to Monterey and Sacramento to the Bay. This position is based in Martinez, CA.
9) You absolutely MUST live within a 45 minute commute of Richmond, CA. Please calculate your morning commute using Google maps with an arrival time of 6:15 a.m. Map your home address to this work address: 2550 Garden Tract Rd., Richmond CA. If you live outside this area and DO NOT plan to move, please do not apply. 
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • $21.00 to per hour to start. Overtime paid at $31.50 per hour.
    • Apprentice-Two compensation ranges from $23.00 to $29.00 per hour
    • Climber pay ranges from $30.00 and up for Independent Climber, Crew Lead, Foreman & Lead Supervisor wages. YOUR dedication and commitment to learning to climb are what earn these increases.
  • NOTE: If you already have experience doing Grounds-person work, Landscaping, Tree or Rock Climbing or anything similar, please let us know. We are open to an increased rate for folks with advanced experience.
  • Benefits and Perks:
    • ​​​​​​​​​Company-provided P.P.E./safety equipment
    • Free branded gear including company t-shirts and sweatshirts
  • After 90 days of employment, full-time employees are eligible for:
    • Medical, dental, and optical insurance PAID at a 50% by the company
    • 5 paid sick days
    • 5 paid holidays
    • Financial assistance with purchasing your equipment

HOW TO APPLY
1) Watch this video to be certain this career is for you, “Basic Training for Ground Operations in Tree Care”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5WAH2kljDE 
Update your resume
2) Update your resume. Include ALL JOBS since high school/GED. Include the months and years for each position, plus the company name, location, and your title.
3) If you are sent a survey from Predictive Index (dot com), please TAKE IT WITHIN 24 HOURS in the language in which you have the strongest vocabulary. For example, if you were raised speaking Spanish, take it in Spanish. The results will be sent back in English. 
4) We will TEXT qualified candidates who live nearest to Richmond, CA first.
Best of luck!!
The Recruiting Team at Professional Tree Care and The Green Waste Recycle Yard

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