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Tree Climber Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Homer Companies

Tree Climber

Lockport, IL

$23 - $28/hr

Tree Climber - Full Time Department: Homer Tree Care, Inc. Job Summary: The Tree Climber is responsible for trimming, pruning and tree removal. This may include using various climbing techniques and ...

Yellowstone Landscape

Tree Climber

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$25/hr

We are seeking experienced Tree Climbers to work safely in the field for our Tree Care division. You will be responsible for tree climbing and assisting Tree Care Crew Leaders in performing all tree ...

SavATree LLC

Tree Climber-Tree Care

Warrenville, IL

$22 - $30.25/hr

Tree Climber What We Offer · * Compensation: Competitive pay based on experience, skill level, and responsibilities * Benefits: Health and dental insurance, paid time off, 401(k) Savings Plan, and ...

SavATree LLC

Tree Climber-Tree Care

Northbrook, IL

$38/hr

Tree Climber What We Offer · * Competitive pay up to $38hr based on experience, skill level, and responsibilities * Benefits: Health and dental insurance, paid time off, 401(k) Savings Plan, and ...

New

Homer Companies

Crew Leader (Tree Climber)

Lockport, IL · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

Crew Leader (Tree Climber)- Full Time Department: Homer Tree Care, Inc. Job Summary: The Crew Leader is a tree climber that is responsible for managing and supervising the tree crew and ensuring all ...

BrightView

Tree Climber

Long Grove, IL · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Climber II is an intermediate level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals.

BrightView Landscapes

Tree Climber

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Climber II is an intermediate level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals.

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber

Barrington, IL · On-site

$19 - $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 ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$19 - $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 ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$19 - $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 ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber

Lake Barrington, IL · On-site

$19 - $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 ...

SavATree LLC

Crew Lead / Tree Climber

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

The Tree Care team applies expertise in climbing, pruning, and safety to ensure the health and well-being of each client's landscape. The Crew Lead position is an additional level of specialty for ...

Yellowstone Landscape

Climbing Arborist

Northbrook, IL

$21.50 - $29.75/hr

We are seeking experienced Tree Climbers to work safely in the field for our Tree Care division. You will be responsible for tree climbing and assisting Tree Care Crew Leaders in performing all tree ...

Yellowstone Landscape

Climbing Arborist

Wauconda, IL

$20 - $27.50/hr

We are seeking experienced Tree Climbers to work safely in the field for our Tree Care division. You will be responsible for tree climbing and assisting Tree Care Crew Leaders in performing all tree ...

Yellowstone Landscape

Climbing Arborist

Roselle, IL

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

We are seeking experienced Tree Climbers to work safely in the field for our Tree Care division. You will be responsible for tree climbing and assisting Tree Care Crew Leaders in performing all tree ...

Yellowstone Landscape

Climbing Arborist

Chicago, IL

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

We are seeking experienced Tree Climbers to work safely in the field for our Tree Care division. You will be responsible for tree climbing and assisting Tree Care Crew Leaders in performing all tree ...

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All JobsTree Climber JobsTree Climber Jobs in Chicago, IL

Tree Climber information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Chicago, IL is $25.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $28.99 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.
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Tree Climber jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,209 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Tree Climber

Homer Companies

Lockport, IL

$23 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position: Tree Climber – Full Time
Department: Homer Tree Care, Inc.
Job Summary: The Tree Climber is responsible for trimming, pruning and tree removal. This may include using various climbing techniques and using equipment such as: chainsaws, stump grinders, woodchippers, and other heavy machinery using safety practices. The Tree Climber is under direct supervision of the Crew Leader. THIS POSITION IS PHYSICALLY DEMANDING.
Duties amp; Responsibilities
  • Ensures proper use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
  • Identification and use of climbing equipment
  • Performs routine pre-climb and equipment inspections
  • Perform climbing and rigging knots
  • Follow climbing work plan
  • Identifying electrical hazards
  • Utilizes methods of ascending amp; descending trees
  • Identification and use of climbing spurs
  • Performs “tying-in” with roper lanyard and climbing rope
  • Performs a hazard assessment for rigging
  • Demonstrates lowering techniques with and without mechanical
  • Utilizes lowering devices
  • Performs pre-work operational check on all equipment
  • Performs routine vehicle inspections
  • Operates the aerial bucket using lower controls
  • Performs aerial lift maintenance
  • Positions the vehicle and operating outriggers
Qualifications:
  • CDL Class-A, is a plus- potential to earn higher compensation
  • OSHA familiarity/training
  • Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record with no violations
  • Physically Demanding- requires considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Must demonstrate flexibility and endurance
  • Able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Able to bend, stand, or sit for long periods of time
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Effective Communication with supervisors and coworkers
  • Working conditions sometimes include both high heat and cold temperatures
  • Familiarity with safe climbing techniques; ascending, descending, limb walking, work positioning, double crotching, recrotching, use of flip-line, etc
Benefits:
  • Starting pay is $23-28/hr
  • Pay is determined by experience, skill, education, and other factors
  • Able to enroll in benefits after 60-day new hire probation period
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan and employer matching (up to a certain amount) and 100% vesting as soon as contributions are made
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays (6)
Homer Companies is a second-generation, family-owned, full-service tree care company that provides unparalleled services throughout the Midwest. Homer is an EEO Employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. A great work atmosphere with top pay!
Please direct questions regarding the Tree Climber position to hr@homertree.com.

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