Agriculture & Environment Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Forester Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median forester salary in Los Angeles, CA is $93,133 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$93,133
vs State Avg
+$5,103
vs National
+$29,343
Cost of Living
146%

Forester Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median forester salary of $93,133, which is $5,103 above the California state average of $88,030. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,133 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Los Angeles spans from $61,320 at the 10th percentile to $148,920 at the 90th percentile — a $87,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,240, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,700. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level forester earns around $64,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,240
+$20,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,900
+$29,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,700
+$43,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $61,320
25th Percentile $74,460
Median (50th) $93,133
75th Percentile $119,720
90th Percentile $148,920

Forester Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$116,098
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$107,167
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$90,582
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$75,272
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Forester in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open forester positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Forester make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median forester salary in Los Angeles, California is $93,133 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $61,320 (10th percentile) to $148,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,133, a forester in Los Angeles earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for forester pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median forester salary of $93,133 is 5.8% above the California state average of $88,030. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $93,133 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Los Angeles? ▼
Most forester positions in Los Angeles 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.