As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forester in the United States is $79,046 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Forester's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Forester's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Forester's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Service Manager | 0-0 years | $45,465 |
| Nursery/Greenhouse Manager | 0-0 years | $53,109 |
| Ranch Manager | 0-0 years | $51,085 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Foresters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 11.54% |
| Contract Compliance | 2.42% |
| Geographic Information System | 1.85% |
Understanding how a Forester's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026For a Forester, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lawn Service Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $45,465 - a projected growth of -42% over your current level.
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A Forester's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Forester earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Forester is $99,700.
The highest pay for Forester is $109,752.
The lowest pay for Forester is $53,154.
Manages and develops forest lands and resources for economic and recreational purposes. May require a bachelor's degree in a related area and at least 7 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. Generally manages exempt and nonexempt employees. Typically reports to the head of a unit/department. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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