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Tree Surgeon Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Park District

Junior Tree Surgeon

Chicago, IL

$81K/yr

Title: Junior Tree Surgeon CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, performs ... Pay Rate: $81,696.39 Annual Salary Union: 703 Career Service EEO: Service/Maintenance FLSA: Non ...

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City of Roanoke, VA

Tree Trimmer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$42K - $59K/yr

Salary : $42,000.00 - $59,007.80 Annually Location : City of Roanoke Public Works - 1802 Courtland ... tree surgery procedures Operates an aerial lift device Uses and maintains in good repair all power ...

City of Laurinburg, NC

Tree Trimmer Technician II

NC · On-site

$930.52 - $977.60/wk

Salary : $930.52 - $977.60 Weekly Location : 503 Hall Street-Public Works Dept., NC Job Type: Non ... surgery techniques and of the composition and use of common insecticides, fungicides and ...

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Vascular Surgeon

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$259K - $327K/yr

Competitive salary guarantee * Malpractice with tail coverage * Retirement with employer match ... Enjoy the lush green countryside, pine tree-covered hills and lakes * Year-round outdoor activities ...

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Vascular Surgeon

Aransas Pass, TX

$285K - $359K/yr

Competitive salary guarantee * Malpractice with tail coverage * Retirement with employer match ... Enjoy the lush green countryside, pine tree-covered hills and lakes * Year-round outdoor activities ...

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Vascular Surgeon

Houston, TX · On-site

$299K - $378K/yr

Competitive salary guarantee * Malpractice with tail coverage * Retirement with employer match ... Enjoy the lush green countryside, pine tree-covered hills and lakes * Year-round outdoor activities ...

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Tree Surgeon Salary information

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$155K

$368.9K

$400K

How much do tree surgeon salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for tree surgeon salary in the United States is $368,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $350,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for a tree surgeon?

The average salary for a tree surgeon varies depending on experience, location, and employer. In the United States, entry-level tree surgeons typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year, while experienced professionals can make $50,000 or more annually. In the UK, tree surgeons usually earn between £18,000 and £35,000, with higher salaries possible for those with advanced skills or in supervisory roles. Factors such as certifications, overtime, and specializations can also impact earnings.

What is the difference between Tree Surgeon Salary vs Arborist Salary?

AspectTree Surgeon SalaryArborist Salary
Required CertificationsCertified Arborist, Climbing CertificationCertified Arborist, Climbing Certification
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, urban and rural areas, tree care sitesOutdoor, urban and rural areas, tree care sites
Employer & Industry UsageTree care companies, landscaping firms, municipal servicesTree care companies, landscaping firms, municipal services

Both Tree Surgeons and Arborists typically hold similar certifications and work in outdoor environments focused on tree health and safety. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Tree Surgeon' may imply a more hands-on, cutting, and removal focus, while 'Arborist' emphasizes tree health and preservation. Salary differences are usually minimal, reflecting similar roles and responsibilities.

How much do tree doctors make?

Tree surgeons, also known as arborists, typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled arborists with certifications like ISA often command higher salaries and may work with specialized equipment in outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tree surgeons on the job?

Tree surgeons often encounter challenges such as working at heights, handling heavy or dangerous equipment, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. Safety is a top priority, as the role involves climbing trees and using chainsaws or other cutting tools. Additionally, tree surgeons must carefully assess tree health and stability to avoid hazards, making strong problem-solving skills and situational awareness essential for success in this field.

Can you make a living as an arborist?

A career as a tree surgeon or arborist can be financially sustainable, especially with experience, certifications, and specialization in areas like climbing or equipment operation. Salaries vary by region and experience, but many arborists earn a living wage working for tree care companies, municipalities, or as independent contractors. The job often requires physical fitness, safety training, and knowledge of tree biology and pruning techniques.

What is the highest paid job in forestry?

The highest paid jobs in forestry typically include forest managers, consulting arborists, and specialized environmental consultants, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications. These roles involve overseeing large-scale projects, making strategic decisions, and utilizing advanced tools and knowledge of sustainable practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tree Surgeon, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Surgeon, you need expertise in arboriculture, tree identification, and pruning techniques, often supported by relevant certifications such as NPTC or ISA credentials. Familiarity with chainsaws, climbing gear, wood chippers, and safety harnesses is essential for daily operations. Strong problem-solving skills, physical fitness, and effective communication help tree surgeons work safely and efficiently in diverse environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety of both the worker and the public while maintaining the health and stability of trees.

Is being a tree surgeon hard work?

Tree surgeons perform physically demanding work that involves climbing, operating heavy equipment, and working at heights, often in outdoor environments. The job requires strength, stamina, and safety awareness, and it can involve long hours and exposure to weather conditions. Proper training and certifications are important for safety and efficiency.
More about Tree Surgeon Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Tree Surgeon Salary jobs? Cities with the most Tree Surgeon Salary job openings:
What states have the most Tree Surgeon Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Tree Surgeon Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tree Surgeon Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Surgeon Salary jobs are:
Tree Surgeon Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Surgeon Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $368,879 per year, or $177.3 per hour.
Junior Tree Surgeon

Junior Tree Surgeon

Chicago Park District

Chicago, IL

$81K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Chicago Park District rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 832 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Title:  Junior Tree Surgeon                                                

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, performs landscape construction and tree and shrubbery care activities for the Park District. May perform arboricultural work at Park District nurseries.  Performs related duties as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

  • Uses a variety of techniques, including climbing with a rope and saddle, to perform tree care, maintenance, removal and other arboricultural activities. 
  • Performs planting, pruning, trimming, watering, fertilizing and other related tree and shrubbery maintenance and construction activities. 
  • Assists in performing routine tree surgery on damaged plant life including cabling, rodding and cavity work. 
  • Treats trees and shrubbery for disease or infestation. 
  • Operates landscape construction and tree and shrubbery maintenance equipment and machinery including, but not limited to: backhoes, front end loaders, lopping shears, power saws, aerial towers (with bucket), log booms, brush clippers and stump removers. 
  • Performs routine maintenance and repairs on equipment and machinery.
  • Observes and reports cases of damaged plants or dangerous conditions.     
  • Performs work to alleviate hazardous conditions. 
  • Applies fertilizers and other growth enhancement agents to the soil.   
  • May perform tree and shrubbery maintenance and construction activities at Park District nurseries, including propagation, planting, tilling and watering. 
  • Assists in landscape construction projects, including but not limited to removing sod, resodding, grading and athletic field construction.

DESIRABLE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

Graduation from High School or the equivalent is recommended and if supplemented by a minimum of one year of paid experience performing tree care and maintenance activities, including climbing with rope and saddle, is fully qualifying for this position. Equivalent combination of education and experience may also qualify for this position.  CDL class B with air brakes preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of soils, fertilizers and the propagation of plant life. 
  • Knowledge of common trees and shrubs and their growth characteristics. 
  • Knowledge of diseases and pests associated with trees and shrubs.     
  • Skill in the use of landscape construction tools, equipment and machinery. 
  • Skill in the use of rope and saddle to climb and perform maintenance on trees. 
  • Effective oral communication skills

BENEFITS:

As a full-time Chicago Park District employee in a position covered by the District's Agreement with Local 703, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:  

  • Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.  
  • 13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days for first year of employment). 
  • 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year. 
  • 4 paid personal days per year. 
  • 13 paid holidays per year. 
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility) 
  • Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act. 
  • Deferred Compensation Program - voluntary supplemental retirement plan.  
  • Optional pre-tax programs - Transit  
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.  
  • Free Admission to most Chicago museums. 

Pay Rate:  $81,696.39 Annual Salary

Union: 703     Career Service          EEO: Service/Maintenance             FLSA: Non-Exempt

Approved: August 13, 1991             Revised May, 2018

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