Agriculture & Environment Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Forester Salary in Sacramento, California

The median forester salary in Sacramento, CA is $75,272 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$75,272
vs State Avg
$-12,758
vs National
+$11,482
Cost of Living
118%

Forester Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median forester salary of $75,272, which is $12,758 below the California state average of $88,030. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $75,272 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Sacramento spans from $49,560 at the 10th percentile to $120,360 at the 90th percentile — a $70,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,920, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,100. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level forester earns around $51,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,920
+$7,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,700
+$11,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,100
+$17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $49,560
25th Percentile $60,180
Median (50th) $75,272
75th Percentile $96,760
90th Percentile $120,360

Forester Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$116,098
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$107,167
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$93,133
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$90,582
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Forester in Sacramento

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open forester positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Forester make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median forester salary in Sacramento, California is $75,272 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $49,560 (10th percentile) to $120,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,272, a forester in Sacramento earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for forester pay? ▼
Sacramento's median forester salary of $75,272 is 14.5% below the California state average of $88,030. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $75,272 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Sacramento? ▼
Most forester positions in Sacramento 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.