Position
Salary

How much does a Forester make?

The average salary for a Forester is $65,286 per year in the US.

Becoming a forester means you play a vital role in taking care of our forests. Foresters manage land and ensure forests are healthy and productive. They earn a solid salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for a forester is around $65,286. This means they earn more than many other jobs in the field.

Let’s look at the earnings of foresters in more detail. Foresters can earn from $33,250 to over $117,000 a year. Most foresters earn between $48,568 and $94,523. These numbers show that as foresters gain experience and take on more responsibilities, their pay often increases. This salary range highlights the potential for growth and earning more over time.

View Forester jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Forester?

Foresters can find top-paying jobs in cities like Eugene, Oregon, and Chico, California. These locations offer the highest average salaries for foresters. If you want to earn more, consider these cities in your job search. Foresters in Anchorage, Alaska, and Portland, Oregon, also earn good salaries. Nashville, Tennessee, and Jackson, Mississippi, offer competitive wages. Houston, Texas, is another city with attractive job opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forester jobs, highlighting Eugene, OR with the highest at $100,817 and Houston, TX with the lowest at $42,656.
  1. Eugene, OR
    Average Salary: $100,817
    In Eugene, individuals might find work with the U.S. Forest Service. They often manage local forests and parks, ensuring they are healthy. The work combines office tasks with fieldwork.
    Find Forester jobs in Eugene, OR


  2. Chico, CA
    Average Salary: $87,372
    Chico offers opportunities with the Bureau of Land Management. Foresters here focus on conserving public lands. Their duties involve planning projects and working with local communities.
    Find Forester jobs in Chico, CA


  3. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $84,717
    Portland has a variety of employers for those in forestry. Companies like Weyerhaeuser are present. Foresters here manage timberlands, ensuring sustainable practices. They also engage in community outreach.
    Find Forester jobs in Portland, OR


  4. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $59,809
    In Anchorage, foresters might work with the state's Department of Natural Resources. They focus on managing vast, remote forests. Their role involves protecting wildlife habitats and ensuring sustainable logging practices.
    Find Forester jobs in Anchorage, AK


  5. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $50,113
    Nashville offers jobs in both public and private forestry. Roles with the state's Forestry Division are common. Foresters work on projects that include reforestation and forest health monitoring. They also collaborate with local schools on education initiatives.
    Find Forester jobs in Nashville, TN


  6. Jackson, MS
    Average Salary: $44,513
    Jackson provides opportunities for those interested in forestry with the Mississippi Forestry Commission. Foresters here work on preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable forest management. They often engage in outreach to educate the public.
    Find Forester jobs in Jackson, MS


  7. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $42,656
    Houston offers roles in urban forestry with various local governments and private companies. Foresters focus on maintaining green spaces and managing public parks. They also work on projects to increase tree cover in the city.
    Find Forester jobs in Houston, TX

What are the best companies a Forester can work for?

Forester jobs offer great pay and opportunities at top companies. Sierra Pacific Industries pays the highest average salary at $90,288. ACRT, Inc. follows closely with an average of $86,759. These companies value skilled foresters, providing attractive compensation packages. Other notable employers include Weyerhaeuser and Mendocino Forest Products Company, LLC, both offering competitive salaries. State government roles also provide stable incomes, with the State of Alaska leading among state employers. Exploring these companies can lead to rewarding career choices.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forester jobs, highlighting Sierra Pacific Industries with the highest at $90,288 and ArborMetrics Solutions with the lowest at $50,222.
  1. Sierra Pacific Industries
    Average Salary: $90,288
    Sierra Pacific Industries offers rewarding career opportunities for Foresters. They manage vast tracts of timberland across the United States. Their locations include California, Oregon, and Washington. Foresters work to maintain sustainable forest resources.


  2. ACRT, Inc.
    Average Salary: $86,759
    ACRT, Inc. provides diverse roles for Foresters. This company works on forest management, environmental consulting, and land planning. Foresters can find positions across multiple states, including Texas and Mississippi.


  3. Weyerhaeuser
    Average Salary: $84,311
    Weyerhaeuser is a global leader in forest products. They offer Forester positions that focus on sustainable forestry. Their operations span the United States, Canada, and Europe. Foresters here play a key role in maintaining healthy forests.


  4. MENDOCINO FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC
    Average Salary: $84,183
    MENDOCINO FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC is dedicated to responsible forest management. They offer Forester positions in California. Foresters work to balance timber production with environmental stewardship.


  5. State of Alaska
    Average Salary: $64,691
    The State of Alaska provides Forester jobs that focus on managing public lands. Foresters work in various locations across the state to maintain its natural resources.


  6. State of Ohio
    Average Salary: $57,920
    The State of Ohio offers Forester positions in state forests and parks. Foresters here work to protect and enhance the state’s natural resources.


  7. State of Arkansas
    Average Salary: $57,643
    The State of Arkansas offers Forester jobs focused on sustainable forestry. Foresters manage public lands to ensure forest health and productivity.


  8. State of Tennessee
    Average Salary: $50,818
    The State of Tennessee offers Forester roles in managing public forests. Foresters work across the state to ensure the sustainability of natural resources.


  9. State of Florida
    Average Salary: $50,794
    The State of Florida provides Forester positions in managing state forests and parks. Foresters work to maintain the health and productivity of Florida’s forests.


  10. ArborMetrics Solutions
    Average Salary: $50,222
    ArborMetrics Solutions offers Forester roles in forest management and consulting. They provide services to a wide range of clients, ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources.

How to earn more as a Forester?

Becoming a Forester is a rewarding career choice. Foresters manage and protect forests and natural resources. This job offers many opportunities to earn more with experience and skills. Gaining new skills can lead to higher-paying positions. Working in the right environment can also boost earnings.

Here are key factors that can help Foresters increase their earnings:

  • Education and Certification: Obtaining higher degrees, like a Master's in Forestry, can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries. Certification from recognized forestry organizations can also boost earning potential.
  • Experience: Gaining experience is vital. More years in the field often lead to higher pay. Foresters can take on more responsibilities and advanced projects as they gain experience.
  • Specialization: Specializing in areas like wildlife management, forest conservation, or urban forestry can lead to higher-paying jobs. Some employers may pay more for specific skills.
  • Location: The location of the job matters. Some areas offer higher wages due to the cost of living and demand for Foresters. Urban areas or regions with significant forest resources may pay more.
  • Industry Sector: Working in private companies, government agencies, or non-profits can lead to different pay scales. Some sectors may offer bonuses, pensions, and other benefits that increase overall earnings.

Currently 256 Forester job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Forester in the US?

Learn what a Forester does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Forester today.
Position
Overview
Forester
256 Job Openings