Agriculture & Environment Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Forester Salary in Alaska

The median forester salary in Alaska is $79,100 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$79,100
vs National
+$15,310
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Forester Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for forester compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for foresters seeking high pay. At $79,100 per year, foresters in Alaska earn $15,310 more than the national median of $63,790.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $79,100 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $63,790.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $52,080, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $126,480 — a $74,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $86,117.

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 Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level forester earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,800 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,560
+$10,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,600
+$15,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,800
+$22,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $52,080
25th Percentile $63,240
Median (50th) $79,100
75th Percentile $101,680
90th Percentile $126,480

Forester Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for foresters in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Alaska

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Alaska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Alaska

How much does a Forester make in Alaska? ▼
The median forester salary in Alaska is $79,100 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $52,080 (10th percentile) to $126,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,100, a forester in Alaska earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for foresters? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $54,560, while senior professionals earn $117,800.
How does Alaska compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Alaska's median of $79,100 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($88,030) and Massachusetts ($86,117).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level forester in Alaska earns approximately $54,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,800.
What city in Alaska pays foresters the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for foresters, with a median salary of $86,117. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.