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Tree Climber Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Crew Lead / Tree Climber

Warrenville, IL

$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 ...

Climbing Arborist

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Climbing Arborist

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Climbing Arborist

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Climbing Arborist

Wauconda, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Climbing Arborist

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Tree Climber information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Chicago, IL is $25.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $29.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Tree Climber jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Tree Climber jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Tree Climber jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Tree Climber job openings:

Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,451 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Crew Lead / Tree Climber

SavATree LLC

Warrenville, IL

$22 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


SavATree rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 37 rated gardening and landscaping


Job description

Looking for a place where you can thrive?

SavATree’s mission is to take our passion for nature and keep this country’s outdoors beautiful and flourishing. Through our comprehensive tree, shrub, and lawn care we work hard to make sure our discerning customers have attractive, healthy and cared-for green spaces to enjoy. Over the last thirty years, we have opened new offices across the country, and we are looking for people who want to grow with us.

The General Tree Care Team are the muscle of our operation. These industrial athletes work together to provide high-quality tree care, helping to maintain and preserve the overall health of our clients’ landscapes.

In this role, team members have the opportunity to work outside and visit beautiful properties in their community. 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 select individuals who have demonstrated leadership qualities and received approval from the local branch management to provide direction in a work crew setting. Specific knowledge includes: TCIA Crew Leader Training Program, Crew Safety, Personal Safety, Hazard of Inexperience, and ability to check off levels equal and below.

What a day is like:

Daily focus is working together on a General Tree Care crew to provide high quality tree care to our clients. The Tree Care Team is involved in all aspects of pruning, removals, cable bracing and other concepts related to tree care. Team members are able to safely operate all equipment and perform the assigned job tasks while also providing excellent service to our clients.

What kind of person are we looking for?  Someone with:

  • Experience with proper pruning practices including large shade trees and ornamentals
  • Ability to identify native and introduced tree and shrub species and have a working knowledge of each species’ characteristics
  • Ability to climb without spurs
  • Experience with tree care safety standards
  • Practical knowledge of chainsaw and equipment operation
  • Experience with aerial lifts (bucket truck)
  • Demonstrate additional competencies in all areas of knowledge for designated skill level.
  • Communicate advanced understanding of all safety policies and procedures, including hazard tree identification.
  • Utilize specialized equipment properly for climbing (ropes, saddle, ladders) along with all associated tools.
  • Apply knowledge of branch collars and proper pruning cuts with total competence on chainsaw operations in small to medium difficulty (40-50’) trees.
  • Employ ANSI A300 Pruning Standards and Terminology and ANSI Z safety.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of different tree species and different techniques necessary for climbing each tree including Oaks, Maples, Dogwoods, Apples (Crab vs. Regular), Hemlocks, Pines and Spruce.
  • Complete work exhibiting ability to raise a ladder, throw a rope, and safe techniques to climb into a tree.
  • Set up safely with proper placement of lowering lines in a strong enough crotch, know when to attach a tag line, and engage proper lowering techniques.
  • Know when to double crotch and use other appropriate techniques when working in trees.
  • Able to drop trees, know when to use ropes for take down and identify potential need to use spikes.
  • Perform aerial rescue if needed.

What is Essential:

  • The desire to work outdoors 
  • Valid U.S. driver's license to operate company vehicles, CDL a plus
  • Must be authorized to work lawfully in the U.S.

Why you might love working here:

  • We have lots of training and development opportunities and support continuing education in the industry
  • Our Tree Care Team works alongside some of the best trained and equipped teams in the industry, with an emphasis on quality and safety
  • We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including health and dental, paid time off, 401(K) Savings Plan, Flexible Spending Plan, Equipment Account
  • $1,500 sign on bonus!

We want everyone to be able to identify and achieve their own version of success, which means giving each team member the room and opportunity to grow. To ensure that everyone has the best chance to succeed, we invest heavily in training and continuing education. We make it easy for team members to reach out and get the help needed, even when it’s from the other side of the country. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where each team member has the resources and opportunities to advance his or her career and become a go-to subject matter expert. That’s why we often say that when you work here, you thrive here.

SavATree is an equal opportunity employer and a Drug Free Workplace


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