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The differences between arborists and foresters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an arborist, becoming a forester takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a forester has an average salary of $50,590, which is higher than the $41,881 average annual salary of an arborist.
The top three skills for an arborist include CDL, hand tools and CPR. The most important skills for a forester are natural resources, patrol, and management practices.
| Arborist | Forester | |
| Yearly salary | $41,881 | $50,590 |
| Hourly rate | $20.14 | $24.32 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 4,040 | 6,758 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An arborist is responsible for studying the tree structures and cultivating it for its growth and development as part of environmental conservation efforts. Arborists conduct regular pruning and fertilization, keeping the trees away from parasites and other harmful substances. They also operate various tools and equipment for efficiency and accurate processing. An arborist coordinates with environmental and community organizations to keep the trees' healthy condition, as well as recommending activities that would help in sustaining efforts, such as planting and growing trees across the desired location.
Foresters are individuals who practice forestry, art, science, and forest management. They are typically engaged in various activities that include the management of protected areas and ecological restoration. These professionals are responsible for maintaining the forests and managing different objectives, including outdoor recreation, conservation, and raw material extraction. This role also requires you to perform other activities such as enforcing forestry laws and protecting natural resources. Other duties include conducting a survey of regional plants and animals and monitoring all human activities in the forests.
Arborists and foresters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Arborist | Forester | |
| Average salary | $41,881 | $50,590 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $57,000 | Between $25,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Florida Power & Light | Sierra Pacific Industries |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Insurance |
There are a few differences between an arborist and a forester in terms of educational background:
| Arborist | Forester | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Forestry | Forestry |
| Most common college | - | Duke University |
Here are the differences between arborists' and foresters' demographics:
| Arborist | Forester | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 1.5% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% | Black or African American, 0.6% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Asian, 1.4% White, 91.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 8% |