Agriculture & Environment Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Forester Salary in Colorado

The median forester salary in Colorado is $66,980 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$66,980
vs National
+$3,190
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Forester Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for forester pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $66,980 per year, foresters in Colorado earn $3,190 more than the national median of $63,790.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning forester salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $44,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $107,100 — a $63,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $81,651.

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 Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level forester earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
+$4,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $44,100
25th Percentile $53,550
Median (50th) $66,980
75th Percentile $86,100
90th Percentile $107,100

Forester Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for foresters in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Colorado

How much does a Forester make in Colorado? ▼
The median forester salary in Colorado is $66,980 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $44,100 (10th percentile) to $107,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,980, a forester in Colorado earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for foresters? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $46,200, while senior professionals earn $99,750.
How does Colorado compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Colorado's median of $66,980 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($70,169) and Oregon ($70,169).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level forester in Colorado earns approximately $46,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $68,250. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,750.
What city in Colorado pays foresters the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for foresters, with a median salary of $81,651. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.