How much does a Arborist make

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  2. Arborist
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Arborist

30 800 kr

Gardeners etc.

26 700 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Arborist

Average salary 30 800 kr
Males 31 200 kr
Females 29 900 kr
2 Likes 0 Comments 49 Vacant jobs ->

What does an arborist do? – Tasks and work environment

An arborist works with the maintenance, care, and pruning of trees, often in park settings, urban environments, and private gardens. Tasks include tree felling, advanced pruning, risk assessment of trees, and advising on tree care. The work environment is varied and can involve working at heights, sometimes with climbing equipment or from lifts, and working outdoors in all seasons. Safety and ergonomics are important, as the work is often physically demanding and may involve risky tasks such as operating chainsaws and heavy lifting.

Salary development over time

The salary development for arborists has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, increasing to 30 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 800 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 6% during the period, in line with trends in similar professions within natural resources and horticulture. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified tree felling and a greater awareness of trees' importance in urban environments, while the labor market is characterized by a certain surplus of workforce. Gender differences remain, but the trend indicates some leveling over time.

Arborist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 26,700 SEK (female, private sector employee)
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK (female, municipal sector)
  • Hourly wage: 185 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Women: 29 900 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men: 31 200 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data not available, but variations may occur depending on labor market conditions and demand in different parts of the country.

Education and qualifications

To work as an arborist, a high school education in horticulture, forestry, or natural resources is usually required, often followed by specialized training and certifications in tree care and climbing. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed internships or trainee programs. Both formal education and ongoing training are important to perform work safely and efficiently.

  • High school education: Natural resources program with specialization in horticulture or forestry (3 years)
  • Certification: ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent
  • Courses: Chainsaw license, climbing techniques, first aid
  • Internships: Trainee positions and apprenticeships are recommended
  • Prerequisites: Good physical health and comfort working at heights
  • Continuing education: Courses in new work methods and safety

Many arborists report that each workday is unique – no place, tree, or challenge is exactly the same. Creative problem-solving and adaptation to both nature's and clients' conditions are often required. This is a profession for those who appreciate variation and working outdoors all year round.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Arborists are often offered benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, training opportunities, and sometimes access to personal equipment and tools. Some employers also provide insurance and opportunities for further professional development. Union agreements often regulate overtime pay and additional compensation.

Competition and challenges

The arborist market is characterized by some competition and a surplus of workforce, especially in larger cities where demand is high but the number of qualified candidates is even higher. Major challenges include staying updated with new techniques and safety requirements, as well as managing the physical demands of the work. Seasonal variations can affect workload, with some periods being more intense than others. Despite this, there are good opportunities for those with the right education and experience, especially if they have specialized skills such as advanced tree felling or disease diagnostics. The profession's status has increased as tree care has gained more attention in urban planning.

Tips for aspiring arborists

To succeed as an arborist, it is good to combine an interest in nature and trees with endurance and precision. Good physical condition is essential since the work often involves working at heights and can be heavy, so regular strength and mobility training is recommended. Being attentive and service-minded is important, as the job often involves customer contact and advice on tree care. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are needed to handle unexpected situations and adapt work methods to different environments. A continuous desire to learn and stay updated on safety routines and new techniques is also a major advantage for those looking to develop within the profession.

Key facts about Arborists

  • Education level: High school (natural resources/horticulture) with certifications
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often at heights and in varying weather conditions
  • Work form: Independent or team work, in both private and public sectors
  • Demand: Limited opportunities, some competition
  • Special skills: Climbing techniques and risk assessment of trees

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an arborist can advance to supervisor, tree care consultant, or start their own business. Some choose to specialize in advanced tree felling, disease diagnostics, or environmental planning. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the profession of landscape gardeners, including arborists, job prospects are small, and the recruitment situation shows a surplus of workforce. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, which may increase competition for jobs. However, there are currently 360 job openings in Sweden, indicating good opportunities for well-trained and experienced candidates.

Frequently asked questions about Arborists

  • What does an Arborist earn?
    - An arborist has an average salary of 30 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
  • How does one become an arborist?
    - The most common pathway is a high school education in natural resources or horticulture, followed by specialized courses and certifications.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 29 900 SEK while men earn 31 200 SEK, which corresponds to 96% of men's salaries.
  • What work environment risks are there for arborists?
    - Common risks include falls from height, chainsaw work, and heavy lifting, which require strict safety routines.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - The job market has limited opportunities and some competition, but there are vacancies for qualified candidates.
  • What education is required to work as an arborist?
    - High school education in natural resources or horticulture, along with certifications in tree care and climbing, is strongly recommended.
  • What career opportunities are there?
    - After a few years, one can become a supervisor, consultant, or start their own business in tree care.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-09 09:22:01

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Arborist is 34600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 33400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Arborist is 26700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 27700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 101% 26000 kr 26400 kr
25-34 100% 28800 kr 29100 kr
35-44 104% 30000 kr 30300 kr
45-54 91% 33800 kr 34100 kr
55-64 96% 31200 kr 31500 kr
65-68 28500 kr 28700 kr
Snitt 96% 30500 kr 30800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Arborist has the SSYK code 6113, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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