Agriculture & Environment Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Forester Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median forester salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$56,135
vs State Avg
+$638
vs National
$-7,655
Cost of Living
88%

Forester Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median forester salary of $56,135, which is $638 above the Alabama state average of $55,497. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Tuscaloosa spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level forester earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $56,135
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $89,760

Forester Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$58,687
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$57,411
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$54,859
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$54,222
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Forester in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open forester positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Forester make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median forester salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,135, a forester in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for forester pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median forester salary of $56,135 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $55,497. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $56,135 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most forester positions in Tuscaloosa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Forest Management, GIS/GPS, Timber Cruising, Ecology. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.