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Tree Climber Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Arborist Climber

Owings, MD · On-site

$22 - $24/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 ...

Arborist Climber

Springfield, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/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 ...

Arborist Climber

Owings, MD · On-site

$22 - $24/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 ...

Arborist Climber

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $30/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 ...

Arborist Climber

Springfield, VA

$22.25 - $30.50/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 ...

Arborist Climber

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $30/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 ...

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 ...

Climber

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

The Climber performs advanced aerial tree care operations, including climbing, pruning, rigging, and rescue procedures. This position works at height using both Single Rope Technique (SRT) and Double ...

Groundperson - Union

Washington, DC

$24 - $33.25/hr

If you want to experience the world from a tree's perspective, this is the job for you. Our crews ... RARE (less than 10%): Sitting, Crawling, Climbing Poles, Color Vision, Climbing Ladders, Climbing ...

New

Arborist Climber Trainee

Ashburn, VA

$18.50 - $24/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and ...

Summary The Tree Operations Crew Member performs a variety of field operations for all tree planting, care and related activities. This crew member should have a "roll up your sleeves" attitude and ...

Arborist Climber Trainee

Odenton, MD · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and ...

Arborist Climber Trainee

Odenton, MD · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and ...

Showing results 21-40

Tree Climber information

See Washington salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Washington is $28.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $31.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 is a tree climber?

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 do you become a tree climber?

To become a tree climber, individuals typically need to gain experience in arboriculture through training or apprenticeships, develop climbing skills using ropes and harnesses, and obtain relevant certifications such as the ISA Certified Tree Worker. Physical fitness and knowledge of safety procedures are also essential for working at heights in tree care environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Climber jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Washington? For Tree Climber jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Tree Climber jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Tree Climber job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in WA? For Tree Climber jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,454 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Tree Care Division - Climber

Empire Landscape

Silver Spring, MD

$21 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Empire Landscape is seeking an experienced Tree Climber to join our Tree Care Division. The ideal candidate will have strong climbing and rigging skills, a solid understanding of safe tree removal practices, and the ability to work as part of a professional, safety-focused team. This is a hands-on, physically demanding role requiring technical skill and accountability.

 Qualifications:
  • 2–3 years of climbing experience under the supervision of a Licensed Tree Expert and/or ISA Certified Arborist

  • Proficient in rigging and safe climbing techniques for tree removal

  • Experience operating in aerial lifts/bucket trucks

  • Recent EHAP training preferred

  • Strong understanding of tree biology, pruning, and removal techniques

  • Ability to recognize hand signals when verbal communication is not possible

  • Valid U.S. Driver’s License

  • Physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions for 8+ hours/day and lift/carry 50 lbs+

  • Dependable, safety-conscious, and accountable

  • Basic understanding of chainsaw and equipment maintenance

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish

 Responsibilities:
  • Perform climbing and rigging operations for tree removal and pruning tasks

  • Safely operate aerial lifts and other equipment as needed for tree work

  • Work in a variety of environments including urban areas, land clearing sites, roadsides, and utility corridors

  • Conduct daily inspections of climbing gear, rigging equipment, and tools to ensure safety

  • Collaborate with crew members to complete tasks efficiently and safely

  • Represent the company professionally while working on commercial, municipal, and residential sites

 

Empire Landscape is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.