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Arborist

Find out more about working as an arborist and the possible pathways to job opportunities.

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Arborists manage the health and safety of trees. It’s a hands-on job requiring both practical skills and a sound understanding of the science of trees.

Find out what an arborist does and the related Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and pathways you can take to secure a job.

What is an arborist?

Arborists care for and maintain trees and shrubs by lopping limbs, shaping branches, or treating them with fertiliser and insecticides. As an arborist, you may install supports to improve tree health. You may be hired to consult on tree health, or to remove dead or decaying trees.

Find out more about arborists(opens in a new window) and these related jobs on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

Explore these related TAFE and training courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

You may be eligible for government funding to help pay for your course.

Average salary

The average weekly earnings for arborists in Australia is $1,216.

Source: Your Career(opens in a new window)

Note this salary is current as of April 2024 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.

Job demand in Victoria

Below are the employment projections for gardener and agricultural, forestry and horticultural plant operator jobs in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.

‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.

Specific data is not available for arborists.

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Region Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Victoria 27,568 2,333 9,449
Melbourne – inner metropolitan 1,423 150 552
Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan 1,452 103 411
Melbourne – southern metropolitan 5,289 419 1,667
Melbourne – northern metropolitan 3,482 363 1,470
Melbourne – eastern metropolitan 4,803 351 1,414
Melbourne – western metropolitan 2,713 357 1,344
Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) 1,103 91 348
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) 1,233 113 408
Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) 2,002 198 758
Gippsland 1,477 76 444
Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) 224 11 49
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) 480 18 100
Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) 549 32 148
Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) 762 31 212
Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) 576 20 123
Region Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Victoria 3,273 409 1,330
Melbourne – inner metropolitan 21 <10 13
Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan <10 <10 <10
Melbourne – southern metropolitan 201 42 103
Melbourne – northern metropolitan 71 13 42
Melbourne – eastern metropolitan 101 17 51
Melbourne – western metropolitan 92 20 61
Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) 192 13 77
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) 199 29 73
Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) 183 14 76
Gippsland 517 81 239
Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) 259 22 76
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) 487 44 148
Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) 252 37 86
Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) 161 23 68
Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) 531 49 212

Source: Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections Dashboard

Resources to plan your next steps

Visit our agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness industry profile to find out about:

Explore growing industries in your region

Training and careers in your region

Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Training and careers in growing industries

Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Updated 24 January 2025

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