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Tree Climber Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Arborist Climber

Ashburn, VA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Arborist Climber

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Visión de conjunto Si le gusta trabajar al aire libre en un entorno profesional y seguro, ¡considere trabajar con Bartlett Tree Experts! En Bartlett, valoramos una sólida cultura de excelencia en ...

Arborist Climber Trainee

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$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 ...

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Tree Climber information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Silver Spring, MD is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $29.09 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.
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Tree Climber jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Tree Climber jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Tree Climber job openings:
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Nights, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $53,354 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Arborist Climber

$21.75 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Bartlett Tree Experts rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 33 rated gardening and landscaping


Job description

If you enjoy working outdoors in a professional and safe environment, consider a career with Bartlett Tree Experts! At Bartlett, we value a strong culture of excellence in safety, scientific research, lifelong learning, and career development.

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 services on residential and commercial properties. 


We offer competitive compensation, as well as:

  • A safety-first culture and professional workplace
  • Advancement opportunities - we promote from within
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Industry credential/license pay increases - we encourage and invest in your professional development
  • Company provided uniforms, PPE, gear, and equipment
  • Boot reimbursement up to $150
  • Access to training, continuing education programs, and a variety of resources provided by the Bartlett Tree Experts Research Laboratories in Charlotte, NC

To find out more about what life is like at Bartlett, check us out on Instagram @LifeatBartlett. 


As an Arborist Climber, you will play an important role in:

  • Performing ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments, as directed by the Arborist Crew Leader
  • Safely performing all aspects of arboriculture, including:
    • Tree identification
    • Tree risk assessments
    • Pruning
    • Removals
    • Cabling and bracing
    • Root collar excavations
    • Properly maintaining and operating tools and equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts)
  • Learning, understanding, and adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies

  • A passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check
  • At least one (1) year of tree climbing (DdRT or SRT) and aerial lift operation experience in the tree care industry
  • Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record (Class B CDL preferred)
  • Ability to work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.


Ashburn
VA
Production Arborist
6/11/2026
Regular Full-Time

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