How much does a forester make?
a year · about $37 an hour
A typical forester in the United States makes $76,400 a year, about $37 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A forester may hike through woods checking trees and habitats, then use maps or computer data to plan planting, thinning, or timber harvests. They also guide crews, track budgets, and check that work follows rules.
Did you know? The U.S. Forest Service uses about 4,500 planned fires each year to help keep national forests healthy.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $50,790 and $109,700How do you become one?
U.S. foresters usually earn a bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field; starting college at 18 and finishing in four years means they could start work around 22. Some states require a license or exam.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., foresters’ pay can differ with experience, valuable skills or credentials, location, and employer type, such as government or private forestry. More specialized or responsible tasks may also affect pay, and some states require licenses.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($107,120), lowest in Oklahoma ($50,990).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,790 | $76,400 | $109,700 | about 10,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $107,120 | about 820 |
| Massachusetts | $89,650 | about 130 |
| Alaska | $87,210 | about 80 |
| South Carolina | $86,780 | about 250 |
| Maryland | $86,100 | about 120 |
Official definition: Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber’s worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/conservation-scientists.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/forestry-careers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1032.00
- www.eforester.org/Main/Certification_Education/Licensure/Main/Certification/Lice
- www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/forestry-facts
- bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/careers-and-education/what-is-the-average-ag
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY