Agriculture & Environment Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Forester Salary in Alabama

The median forester salary in Alabama is $55,497 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$55,497
vs National
$-8,293
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Forester Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,497 per year, foresters in Alabama earn $8,293 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $55,497 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $36,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,740 — a $52,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $58,687.

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for foresters across the country.

Forester Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level forester earns around $38,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,650 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,280
$-5,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,550
$-8,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $36,540
25th Percentile $44,370
Median (50th) $55,497
75th Percentile $71,340
90th Percentile $88,740

Forester Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for foresters in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Alabama

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Alabama

How much does a Forester make in Alabama? ▼
The median forester salary in Alabama is $55,497 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,540 (10th percentile) to $88,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,497, a forester in Alabama earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for foresters? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $38,280, while senior professionals earn $82,650.
How does Alabama compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Alabama's median of $55,497 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($56,135) and South Dakota ($56,135).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level forester in Alabama earns approximately $38,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,550. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,650.
What city in Alabama pays foresters the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for foresters, with a median salary of $58,687. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.