Arborist
Care for, maintain and safely remove trees using specialist climbing, pruning, assessment and tree-management skills.
What They Do
Arborists are specialists in the care, maintenance and safe management of trees.
They inspect trees for health and structural problems, prune branches, remove damaged or dangerous trees and use specialist climbing, rigging and cutting equipment to work safely at height.
Jobs and Skills Australia identifies examining trees, pruning and shaping branches, controlling pests and disease and removing dead or unsafe trees among the occupation's main responsibilities.
Who This Career Suits
This career suits people who enjoy working outdoors, physical activity and practical problem solving.
Arborists need confidence working at height and strong safety awareness because tree work can involve chainsaws, ropes, elevated work platforms and heavy branches.
It can particularly suit someone who enjoys nature and environmental work but also wants a highly practical career requiring technical equipment and physical skill.
Key Skills
Tree Knowledge, Practical Skills, Working at Heights, Safety Awareness, Problem Solving, Climbing, Equipment Operation, Physical Fitness
Work Environment
Outdoor, At Heights, Physical, Environmental, Field-Based
Education & Training
The current national trade-level qualification is the AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture.
The qualification prepares people for roles including Climbing Arborist, EWP Arborist, Crane Specialist, Environmental Arborist and Arborist Works Coordinator.
Training covers tree maintenance, canopy management, tree health, dismantling and removal, with a strong focus on high-risk work and safe operating practices.
Training can include:
tree identification, pruning, chainsaw operation, climbing techniques, aerial rescue, rigging, tree assessment, tree dismantling and workplace safety.
There are currently no formal entry requirements for the qualification, although practical workplace experience and supervised training are important because of the physical and safety-critical nature of the work.
Career Changer Pathway
Arboriculture can suit people moving from horticulture, landscaping, forestry, parks and gardens, construction or other outdoor occupations.
Someone without previous arboriculture experience can begin in a ground-based tree worker or trainee role while completing formal training.
People with relevant horticulture, chainsaw, machinery or working-at-heights experience may find some of their existing skills transfer well into arboriculture.
Early Career
Early-career Arborists learn safe equipment use, tree identification, pruning techniques and ground-based rigging while working with experienced crews.
They may begin by assisting climbers, preparing equipment, clearing branches and learning safe worksite procedures.
As their skills develop, they can progress into climbing, elevated work platform and more complex pruning tasks.
Mid Career
Experienced Arborists undertake more complex tree assessments, climbing work and removal operations.
They may specialise in:
climbing arboriculture, tree health, large-tree removal, utility vegetation management, crane-assisted tree work or environmental arboriculture.
Experienced Arborists may also supervise crews, assess job risks and advise clients about tree management.
Senior / Veteran Career
Experienced Arborists can progress into Leading Arborist, Crew Leader, Arborist Works Coordinator or Operations Supervisor roles.
Others establish their own tree-care businesses or move into consulting, municipal tree management and vegetation management.
Further training can also lead into advanced arboriculture, tree-risk assessment, environmental management or supervisory positions.
Salary Guide
Early Career
65000
Mid Career
80000
Senior / Veteran
105000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Indeed / Jobs and Skills Australia
Salary data source URL:
Date :
9 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
Jobs and Skills Australia identifies approximately 7,000 Arborists, with the occupation concentrated across arboriculture services, local government, forestry and public-land management.
Demand is supported by urban tree management, vegetation maintenance, storm damage, public safety, powerline clearance and increasing attention to urban forests and environmental management.
Current Australian workforce information also points to shortages of qualified Arborists and tree workers in parts of the country, particularly where employers require experienced workers with climbing, technical and safety skills.
Because arboriculture requires specialist training and physically demanding work at height, experienced and qualified workers can be difficult to replace.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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