Career comparison
Arborist vs. Forester
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Foresters earn more at the median ($76,400 vs. $50,960), while arborists usually get to work faster (1–3 months to start of training). Arborists climb, prune and care for trees to keep them healthy and safe. Foresters manage forests for timber, wildlife, recreation and fire safety.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Arborist | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $50,960 ($24.50/hr) | $76,400 ($36.73/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,940 – $80,310 | $50,790 – $109,700 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.2% (about as fast as average) | +2.2% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 7,900 | 900 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 1–3 months to start | 4-year degree |
| Key credential | ISA Certified Arborist | SAF Certified Forester |
| Work setting | Arborists work outdoors at heights, in all weather, around chainsaws, chippers and sometimes power lines.. | Foresters work outdoors in forests and in offices.. |
What each job does
Arborist
- Prune trees and shrubs
- Remove trees safely
- Clear branches from power lines
- Operate chippers and stump grinders
- Climb with ropes and harnesses
Forester
- Inventory forests
- Write management plans
- Plan timber sales
- Oversee harvests
- Plan reforestation
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors and physical work. Both are part of the agriculture, landscaping & animal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose arborist if…
- I love being outdoors
- I’m comfortable with heights
- I take safety seriously
Choose forester if…
- I love forests
- I like hiking
- I like science
Still torn? Take the Arborist fit quiz and the Forester fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, arborist or forester?
Foresters earn more at the median: $76,400 versus $50,960 for arborists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Arborists typically train faster (1–3 months to start) than foresters (4-year degree).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects arborists to grow +4.2% from 2025–35, compared with +2.2% for foresters.