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Tree Climber Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lush Lawn - Safari Tree

Tree Climber

Rochester Hills, MI

$19.50 - $27/hr

A Tree Climber is responsible for the professional and safe climbing, pruning, maintenance, and removal of trees using specialized equipment and techniques. This role requires physical fitness, an ...

SavATree LLC

Tree Climber

Grand Rapids, MI

$30/hr

Tree Climber What We Offer • Compensation: Competitive pay based on experience, skill level, and responsibilities This position pays up to $30.00hr depending on your experience. Plus up to $1,500 ...

SavATree LLC

Tree Climber

Troy, MI

$20 - $30/hr

Tree Climber What We Offer · * Compensation: Competitive pay, between $20-$30 hourly , based on experience, skill level, and responsibilities * Benefits: Health and dental insurance, paid time off ...

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Lotus Gardenscapes

Tree Climber Expert

Dexter, MI · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Job Overview Join our dynamic team as a Tree Climber/Groundsperson and be at the forefront of maintaining healthy, beautiful landscapes! In this energetic role, you will work closely with arborists ...

Lotus Gardenscapes

Tree Climber Expert

Dexter, MI

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Job Overview Join our dynamic team as a Tree Climber/Groundsperson and be at the forefront of maintaining healthy, beautiful landscapes! In this energetic role, you will work closely with arborists ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber

Zeeland, MI

$19.50 - $27/hr

As an Arborist Climber, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew with the primary responsibility of tree climbing and assisting Arborist Crew Leaders in performing all tree and shrub care ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

As an Arborist Climber, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew with the primary responsibility of tree climbing and assisting Arborist Crew Leaders in performing all tree and shrub care ...

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Tree Climber information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Michigan is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.52 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 and safety certifications. The job also involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and may require long periods of climbing and manual labor.

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.

What is the top pay for a tree climber?

The top pay for a tree climber can reach around $30 to $40 per hour or approximately $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Highly skilled climbers with specialized equipment and safety training tend to earn higher wages.
More about Tree Climber jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Climber jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Michigan? For Tree Climber jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Tree Climber jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Tree Climber job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in MI? For Tree Climber jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tree Climber jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,984 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Tree Climber

Tree Climber

Lush Lawn - Safari Tree

Rochester Hills, MI

$19.50 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

A Tree Climber is responsible for the professional and safe climbing, pruning, maintenance, and removal of trees using specialized equipment and techniques. This role requires physical fitness, an understanding of arboriculture, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Key Responsibilities
  • Climbing and Rigging: Safely ascend and descend trees using ropes, harnesses, and other climbing and rigging equipment to access work areas not reachable by aerial lifts.
  • Pruning and Trimming: Cut away dead, diseased, or excess branches from trees and shrubs to maintain their health, improve appearance, or clear obstructions like power lines or structures.
  • Tree Removal: Perform partial or complete tree removals, often in hazardous or confined situations, coordinating with a ground crew to safely lower limbs and sections of the trunk.
  • Equipment Operation: Utilize and maintain various tools and heavy machinery, including chainsaws, handsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and potentially cranes or loaders.
  • Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all company, OSHA, and ANSI safety rules and regulations. This includes inspecting all gear (ropes, saddles, etc.) for safe functionality and conducting risk assessments of trees and worksites.
  • Ground Support: Assist with ground operations, including clearing debris, feeding brush into chippers, and ensuring a clean and safe worksite.
Qualifications amp; Skills
  • Experience: Previous professional tree climbing experience in the arboriculture industry (typically 1-2 years minimum).
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to perform strenuous manual labor in various weather conditions and lift heavy objects (50-100 pounds).
  • Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with tree biology, climbing knots, and proper roping procedures.
  • Certifications (Preferred): Relevant certifications, such as an ISA Certified Arborist credential or ISA Certified Tree Climber Specialist certification, are highly valued.
  • Licenses: A valid driver's license is typically required, with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred.

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