We’re frequently asked by international arborists considering a move to Australia what the current hourly rate is for arborists working in Brisbane. We also receive inquiries from Australians interested in pursuing a career in arboriculture, seeking to know more about the industry. So, we’ve put together this article to answer these common questions.
Understanding Arboriculture Work
Before we dive in, let’s clarify the type of work we do. Arboriculture encompasses two distinct categories of arborists:
- Traditional Arborists: These professionals carefully prune trees to the Australian Standard AS4373, remove dead, dangerous, or undesirable trees, care for and treat sick trees, and protect trees on construction sites in accordance with AS4970. This is the work we do at North Brisbane Trees.
- Powerline Workers: These arborists focus solely on pruning branches a set distance away from powerlines. Powerline workers typically operate from an Elevated Work Platform (EWP) and do not prune to Australian Standards. Their job is repetitive, trimming branches a specific distance from the lines day in and day out. Think of powerline trimming as akin to house painting, while traditional arboriculture is more like art—no bias 😊.
This article does not cover powerline tree work, as North Brisbane Trees does not engage in this type of work, nor do we have any interest in it. Now, let’s dig in!
How Much Does an Arborist Earn in Brisbane?
The following figures are accurate as of August 2024. These rates are based on full-time employees working approximately 40 hours per week, with six weeks of paid leave and superannuation payments included.
- Trainee Ground-Based Worker: $25-$28 per hour
- Ground-Based Tree Worker (1 year experience, no qualifications, truck license): $33-$36 per hour
- Ground-Based Arborist (2+ years experience, Cert 3 qualifications, truck license): $35-$40 per hour
- Beginner Level Climber (2+ years experience, no qualifications, no truck license): $33-$35 per hour
- Beginner Level Climbing Arborist (2+ years experience, Cert 3 qualifications, truck license): $37-$40 per hour
- Intermediate Level Climbing Arborist (3+ years experience, Cert 3 qualifications, truck license): $39-$43 per hour
- Advanced Level Climbing Arborist (3+ years experience, Cert 3 qualifications, truck license): $43-$48 per hour
- Advanced Level Climbing Arborist with Managerial Responsibilities (3+ years experience, Cert 3 qualifications, truck license): $45-$55 per hour
Note: North Brisbane Trees pays higher than most companies, but the above rates should give you a good guide.
What’s a Typical Day Like for an Arborist in Brisbane?
A typical day for an arborist in Brisbane is highly varied, which is one of the job’s primary benefits. If you prefer doing the same task day in and day out, arboriculture might not be for you. At North Brisbane Trees, a typical day could include:
- Pruning a massive 35m gum tree encroaching on four neighboring properties
- Removing a large tree, often with the aid of our 30m crane truck
- Clearing vegetation on a suburban block to prepare the site for construction
- Conducting large land-clearing projects, up to about 3 acres and 2 weeks in duration; larger jobs are usually handled by excavators/grinders, which we do not specialize in
- Advanced tree planting
- Spreading garden mulch
- Delivering our Aged Forest Mulch and Firewood
- Performing some hedging work, though we primarily focus on large-scale tree work
- Conducting Arborist Consultations and Reports, handled exclusively by our Level 5 Qualified Consulting Arborist, who is also TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)
The Benefits of Working as an Arborist in Brisbane
- Variety: No day is the same, and you’ll usually work at a different site each day, performing various tasks.
- Sense of Accomplishment: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of safely completing a large, complex job. Arboriculture is one of the few jobs where customers, neighbors, and passersby often stop to watch and film your work!
- Outdoor Work: Enjoy working outside in nature, breathing fresh air.
- Great Pay: The compensation is excellent, especially considering the job’s unique nature.
- Weather: Brisbane offers pleasant weather in spring, autumn, and winter—though summer is a bit of a different story.
The Challenges of Working as an Arborist in Brisbane
Tree work is physically demanding and can be quite dirty. On some days, you’ll come home covered in sawdust, with blackened hands and a few new scratches—but usually with a smile still on your face. Brisbane’s summers are hot, with temperatures averaging 28-32 degrees Celsius, and the humidity can be intense. On physically demanding days, it’s not uncommon to consume 6-10 liters of water. Fortunately, extremely hot days (over 34 degrees) are rare.
Is Tree Work Safe?
Safety in tree work depends entirely on the company you work for. Arboriculture can be extremely dangerous and even deadly if proper precautions aren’t taken. It’s crucial to work for established and reputable companies with a good safety record. In Queensland, WorkCover is the government body responsible for insuring workers, and they rate businesses on a 1-5 scale based on the number and severity of WorkCover claims. North Brisbane Trees is proud to hold a Level 1 rating. We suggest contacting WorkCover QLD to check the rating of any company you’re considering working for.
Is Arboriculture for Everyone, and Is Climbing Something Anyone Can Do?
Absolutely not. Tree work requires a high level of strength, physical fitness, grit, and determination. As for climbing, it takes a special type of person. You need to stay calm under pressure, think and plan several steps ahead, communicate exceptionally well, and possess nerves of steel. In my experience, for every ten prospective climbers, only one will reach an advanced or even intermediate level.
Conclusion
We hope this article answers some of the common questions we receive. We welcome inquiries from both international arborists and those looking to enter the industry. North Brisbane Trees is one of the few companies in Brisbane approved to sponsor international arborists, and we’ve successfully sponsored several professionals from the UK, Ireland, and France. We’re always on the lookout for exceptional candidates to join our team, so please email me directly at craig@northbrisbanetrees.com.au.
