Agriculture & Environment Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Forester Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median forester salary in Tucson, AZ is $59,325 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$59,325
vs State Avg
$-2,551
vs National
$-4,465
Cost of Living
93%

Forester Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median forester salary of $59,325, which is $2,551 below the Arizona state average of $61,876. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for foresters in Tucson spans from $39,060 at the 10th percentile to $94,860 at the 90th percentile — a $55,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,920, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,350. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level forester earns around $40,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,920
$-3,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,450
$-4,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $39,060
25th Percentile $47,430
Median (50th) $59,325
75th Percentile $76,260
90th Percentile $94,860

Forester Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Forester in Tucson

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona 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 Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Tucson

Browse open forester positions in Tucson, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Tucson

How much does a Forester make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median forester salary in Tucson, Arizona is $59,325 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $39,060 (10th percentile) to $94,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,325, a forester in Tucson earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for forester pay? ▼
Tucson's median forester salary of $59,325 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $61,876. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $59,325 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Tucson? ▼
Most forester positions in Tucson 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.