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Tree Climbing Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lush Lawn - Safari Tree

Tree Groundsman

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

A tree groundsman primarily works on the ground to support arborists and tree climbers, focusing on safety, equipment operation, and site cleanup. This physically demanding role is essential for ...

DJ's Landscape

Tree Care Crew Leader

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

No previous tree climbing or arborist experience is required - we're looking for strong leaders with landscaping experience who are eager to learn. * Lead and manage a tree care crew to complete ...

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All JobsTree Climbing JobsTree Climbing Jobs in Michigan

Tree Climbing information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do tree climbing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climbing 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.

What is tree climbing?

Tree climbing as a job involves professionals scaling trees to perform tasks such as pruning, trimming, removing branches, or conducting tree health assessments. These workers, often called arborists or tree climbers, use specialized equipment and safety gear to climb and work at heights. The job requires physical fitness, knowledge of tree biology, and skill in using climbing techniques and tools. Safety training is essential due to the inherent risks involved with working high above the ground. Tree climbers play a crucial role in maintaining urban forests, parks, and private properties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tree climber?

To thrive as a Tree Climber, you need expertise in arboriculture, physical fitness, and knowledge of safe climbing practices, often supported by certifications like ISA Certified Tree Worker or similar credentials. Familiarity with climbing equipment, chainsaws, rigging systems, and aerial lift devices is vital for efficiency and safety. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help Tree Climbers navigate hazards and work well with team members. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure both personal safety and the successful completion of tree care tasks in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professional tree climbers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Professional tree climbers often encounter challenges such as working at significant heights, dealing with unpredictable weather, and navigating complex tree structures. Safety is paramount, so climbers must be skilled in using ropes, harnesses, and other protective equipment, and regularly inspect their gear. Effective communication with ground crew members is essential for coordinating tasks and ensuring everyone’s safety. Continuous training and adherence to industry safety standards help manage risks and enable climbers to handle unexpected situations with confidence.

What is the difference between Tree Climbing vs Arborist?

AspectTree ClimbingArborist
CredentialsMay require climbing certifications, safety trainingRequires certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, in trees, often at heightsOutdoor, includes tree care, pruning, and removal
Industry UsageSpecialized skill within tree careBroader role encompassing tree health and maintenance

Tree Climbing focuses on the skill of ascending and working in trees, often as part of arborist tasks. An arborist is a professional who manages tree health, safety, and maintenance, often utilizing climbing skills. While tree climbing is a key component of an arborist's work, the arborist role includes additional responsibilities like diagnosing tree health and performing pruning or removals.

How to get into tree climbing for work?

To pursue tree climbing as a job, gain experience in arboriculture through relevant training or certifications such as ISA Arborist Certification, and develop skills in climbing, rigging, and safety procedures. Many tree climbers start as ground workers or apprentices to build practical experience before working independently or with companies. Using proper climbing gear and understanding safety standards are essential for employment in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Tree Climbing jobs in Michigan?

For Tree Climbing jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Climbing jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Climbing jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Tree Climbing jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Tree Climbing job openings:

Tree Climbing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Climbing job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,984 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Climbing Arborist Crew Lead | Chesterfield, MI

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Chesterfield, MI • On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead a crew in providing arboricultural care, including pruning, thinning, and removing deadwood throughout the tree canopy.

  • Plan, prepare, and operate tools and equipment such as chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and climbing systems to perform tree work safely and productively.

  • Mentor crew members and ensure safety procedures are followed during tree climbing and related activities.

Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,064 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company  
Locations: Chesterfield, MI  
Additional Locations: NA 
Work Site: On Site   
Req ID: 226254 

Position Overview

Directs crew members and equipment and plans and executes assigned work or tasks by performing the following duties. 

Job Duties

What You’ll Do: 

  • Climb Trees! Davey offers both DdRT/MRS and SRT/SRS climbing systems. 
  • Safely and productively lead a crew in providing arboricultural care for our clients.  
  • Including but not limited to:  
  • Jobsite Hazards, Obstacles, Plan, Equipment (H.O.P.E) process 
  • Pruning, thinning and removing deadwood throughout the tree canopy 
  • Installation of cables, bracing and lightning protection systems  
  • Removal of hazardous trees 
  • Mentor crew members through the Davey Career Development Program. 
  • Properly maintain, prepare and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts and more.  
Qualifications

What We’re Looking for: 

  • Love of the outdoors 
  • Ability to complete the Davey Tree Trimmer Orientation Program upon hire 
  • Ability to complete the Davey Tree First Aid, CPR and defensive driving course upon hire  
  • Preferred: Relevant pesticide and related licenses and certificates 
  • Preferred: ISA Certified Arborist ®, ISA Certified Tree Worker ®, and/or TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional ® 
Additional Information

What We Offer: * 

  • Paid time off and paid holidays 
  • Opportunities for advancement 
  • All job specific equipment and safety gear provided 
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match 
  • Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options 
  • Group Health Plan 
  • Employee referral bonus program 
  • Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas 
  • Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers 
  • Scholarship Program for Children of Employees 
  • Charitable matching gift program 

*all listed benefits available to eligible employees  

Company Overview

Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee owned companies in the nation!  Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchange of ideas, community partnerships, a commitment to safety and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services.  

We are currently looking to add a dynamic Climbing Arborist Crew Leader to our passionate team of tree care professionals. Your office is outdoors, and you get a new view every day! 

Divisional Overview

The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.

Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.

Employment Type: Permanent 
Job Type: Full Time 
Travel Expectations: Up to 25% 

Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, we care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance

What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom