How to become a Tree Worker

Also called: Tree Surgeon

Maintains and cares for individual trees and shrubs in urban environments by pruning and shaping branches, treating for pests and disease, removing dead or decaying trees, and advising on general tree care. Often employs specialist skills, including aerial access of the tree using rope access or elevated work platforms.

Main tasks

• Prunes and shapes branches of trees and shrubs to maintain their health and appearance
• Treats trees and shrubs for pests and diseases
• Removes dead or decaying trees to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards
• Provides advice on general tree care to clients
• Utilises skills such as aerial access using ropes or elevated work platforms, to prune, shape or remove trees
• Performs tree risk assessments
• Maintains and operates equipment and tools used in tree care, such as chainsaws and pruning shears

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30824); Diploma of Arboriculture (AHC50524); Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture (AHC80120); Certificate II in Arboriculture (AHC20520)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 87,200 people work in this job group now, and about 94,900 are projected by 2035. (+8.8%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Arborist
• Gardener (General)
• Florist
• Irrigation Technician
• Landscape Gardener
• Sports Turf Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Tree Worker?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Arboriculture; Diploma of Arboriculture.

Is a Tree Worker a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 87,200 to about 94,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Tree Worker?

Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Arboriculture; Diploma of Arboriculture.

Will AI change the work of a Tree Worker?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04