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Tree Climber Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Arbor Masters

Tree Climber

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Tree Climber Pay Range $27.00 - $32.00 per hour Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires, trains, and promotes regardless of race, sex, age, national ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Climber

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Tree Climber Pay Range $27.00 - $32.00 per hour Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires, trains, and promotes regardless of race, sex, age, national ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Climber

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Tree Climber Pay Range $27.00 - $32.00 per hour Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires, trains, and promotes regardless of race, sex, age, national ...

ARBOR MASTERS

Tree Climber

Des Moines, IA

$27 - $32/hr

Tree Climber Pay Range $27.00 - $32.00 per hour Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires, trains, and promotes regardless of race, sex, age, national ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber

Grimes, IA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber Earn between $70K and $90K per year, with the opportunity for quarterly bonuses! Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber

Grimes, IA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber Earn between $70K and $90K per year, with the opportunity for quarterly bonuses! Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber

Grimes, IA · On-site

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber Earn between $70K and $90K per year, with the opportunity for quarterly bonuses! Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires ...

ARBOR MASTERS

Tree Crew Leader

Des Moines, IA

$33 - $43/hr

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber Earn between $70K and $90K per year, with the opportunity for quarterly bonuses! Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires ...

Muscatine Power and Water

Tree Trimmer

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$30.53 - $39.12/hr

Experienced candidates must have completed a formal tree trimming apprentice program or have a minimum of 3 years tree trimming experience including climbing trees, using a bucket truck, trimming ...

Muscatine Power and Water

Tree Trimmer

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$30.53 - $39.12/hr

Experienced candidates must have completed a formal tree trimming apprentice program or have a minimum of 3 years tree trimming experience including climbing trees, using a bucket truck, trimming ...

Zielies Tree Service

Tree Trimmer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$27.38 - $40.90/hr

Zielies Tree Service Inc., a leader in Vegetation Management Services is currently seeking Tree Care Professionals. Whether you're an industry veteran or just looking for new opportunities with a ...

Zielies Tree Service

Tree Trimmer

Dubuque, IA

$27.38 - $40.90/hr

Zielies Tree Service Inc., a leader in Vegetation Management Services is currently seeking Tree Care Professionals. Whether you're an industry veteran or just looking for new opportunities with a ...

Zielies Tree Service

Tree Trimmer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$25 - $39/hr

Zielies Tree Service Inc., a leader in Vegetation Management Services is currently seeking Tree Care Professionals. Whether you're an industry veteran or just looking for new opportunities with a ...

ARBOR MASTERS

Ground Specialist

Des Moines, IA

$18 - $22/hr

For example, in this position there is potential to eventually become a tree climber or even Crew Lead once you gain the leadership and technical skills to do so! From there the sky is the limit!

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Tree Climber information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$23

$33

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Iowa is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $26.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be a tree climber?

Being a tree climber requires physical strength, balance, and the ability to work at heights, often using specialized equipment like ropes and harnesses. It can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, requiring proper training, safety certifications, and experience to perform effectively and safely.

What Does a Tree Climber Do?

A Tree Climber, or Tree Trimmer, specializes in climbing tall trees to access limbs for removal. As a Tree Climber, your duty is to use safety equipment and other tools to remove limbs which often pose a threat to the property. You work under the supervision of an experienced arboriculture professional who can advise you on the best removal tactics. You must work with your team to remove the dead or damaged branches without causing harm to yourself or the property below.

What do you need to become a tree climber?

To become a tree climber, you typically need physical fitness, training in climbing techniques, and knowledge of safety procedures. Many employers require certification in first aid and sometimes specialized certifications like aerial rescue or tree climbing courses. Experience with tools such as ropes, harnesses, and climbing gear is also important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tree Climber, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Climber, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of arboriculture, and experience in safe climbing techniques, often supported by relevant certifications such as ISA Certified Tree Worker. Familiarity with climbing gear, chainsaws, rigging equipment, and aerial lift systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help Tree Climbers work safely and efficiently within a team. These skills are crucial for ensuring personal safety, protecting property, and delivering high-quality tree care services.

What is a professional tree climber called?

A professional tree climber is often referred to as an arborist or tree surgeon. They are trained in tree care, pruning, and removal, and typically use safety gear and climbing tools such as ropes and harnesses. Certification from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is common in this field.

What is the difference between Tree Climber vs Arborist?

AspectTree ClimberArborist
CertificationsClimbing and safety certifications, such as ANSI or OSHAArborist certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentPrimarily climbing and pruning trees in outdoor settingsIncludes tree care, diagnosis, planting, and consulting
Job ResponsibilitiesClimbing, pruning, and removing treesTree health assessment, planting, and overall landscape management

While a Tree Climber specializes in climbing and pruning trees, an Arborist has a broader role that includes tree health assessment, planting, and consulting. Both roles require climbing skills and safety certifications, but Arborists often hold additional credentials and perform more comprehensive tree care tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by tree climbers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Tree climbers often encounter challenges such as working at significant heights, unpredictable weather conditions, and navigating dense or hazardous tree canopies. To manage these challenges, climbers use specialized safety equipment, adhere to strict safety protocols, and maintain strong communication with ground crews. Regular skills training and physical fitness are also essential to handle the physical demands and ensure safety. By staying prepared and vigilant, tree climbers can perform their role efficiently while minimizing risks.

What are tree climbers?

Tree climbers are skilled professionals who ascend trees to perform various tasks such as pruning, trimming, removing dead branches, or felling whole trees. They use specialized equipment like ropes, harnesses, and climbing spikes to safely reach and maneuver within the tree canopy. Tree climbers often work for arborist companies, landscaping services, or municipal parks departments, ensuring the health and safety of trees and the surrounding environment. Their work requires physical fitness, knowledge of tree biology, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

How much do climbing arborists get paid?

Climbing arborists typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled climbers with certifications like ISA Arborist Certification often command higher wages, especially when working with specialized equipment and in hazardous environments.
More about Tree Climber jobs
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Iowa? For Tree Climber jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in IA? For Tree Climber jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tree Climber jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,476 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Tree Climber

Tree Climber

Arbor Masters

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Tree Climber
Pay Range $27.00 - $32.00 per hour
Arbor Masters is committed to nurturing a culturally inclusive environment that hires, trains, and promotes regardless of race, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, veteran status, or any other protected class. We will always cultivate an environment that celebrates differences in our teams at all Arbor Masters branches. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce results in better decision-making, faster and more innovative problem solving, and creates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Why work at Arbor Masters?
Arbor Masters is a third-generation, family-owned business, specializing in all areas of tree service and plant care. We love our industry, our work family, and making sure our customers are satisfied by approaching our work with high-level standards for safety and excellence. We are putting down new roots and expanding the family business. We are currently looking to add a Tree Climber to our team of experts. As a Tree Climber, you will participate in all aspects of tree work, including tree pruning and removals.
Your future at Arbor Masters:
When you join the Arbor Masters team, you are joining our work family. We want to see our work family continually grow and succeed. This is not just a job; it is a career path! We will equip you with all the experience and training necessary to grow and advance in the company. The opportunity is all yours and what you want to make of it!
As a Tree Climber, you would be responsible for:
  • Operating heavy equipment, hand, and power equipment, such as bucket trucks, brush trucks, claw trucks, chippers, pole saws, pruning saws, pole pruners, power pole saws, and chainsaws.
  • Repairing, sharpening, and maintaining equipment and tools
  • Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles
  • Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies, and materials are loaded on truck, well maintained and accounted for, along with ensuring equipment is inspected and prepared with fuel and fluids
  • Performing job briefing and assisting Crew Leader in work zone set-up and utilizing safety PPE
  • Completing tree risk assessment and job site assessment, along with communicating with homeowners about services Arbor Masters offers, and performing pre- and post-job walk-throughs
  • Communicating verbally and visually with all members of the crew
  • Assisting in debris cleanup at job completion

Requirements:
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude!
  • Must have a valid driver's license and possess a class C driver's license
  • CDL class A or class B License with airbrake endorsement is preferred, but not required
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Minimum of 2-3 year rope and saddle climbing experience including knowledge of various knots used in roping and technical rigging
  • Must have basic knowledge of proper tree pruning and removal techniques
  • Ability to work effectively at heights above 10 feet
  • Ability to complete labor-intensive outdoor work with exposure to a variety of weather conditions
  • Ability to navigate uneven terrain, stand, walk, bend, crouch, reach, and lift in excess of 50lbs on a regular basis
  • Experience operating bucket or claw trucks preferred
  • Cabling and bracing skills preferred

In addition to offering compensation in the top 25% of the market, our employee benefits package includes:
Benefits
  • Medical Plan effective 60 days following start date
  • Dental Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) (50% Company Match up to 4%/2%)
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability (100% Company Paid)
  • $25k AD&D Insurance (100% Company Paid)
  • Employee Assistance Program (100% Company Paid)
  • Six (6) Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, bereavement)
  • Professional certification and registration renewals
  • Professional development training

Our core purpose is to love people and pursue excellence in the tree care industry. If this resonates with you, please apply here! www.arbormasters.com

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