Agriculture & Environment Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Forester Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median forester salary in Boulder, CO is $81,651 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$81,651
vs State Avg
+$14,671
vs National
+$17,861
Cost of Living
128%

Forester Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median forester salary of $81,651, which is $14,671 above the Colorado state average of $66,980. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $81,651 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Boulder spans from $53,760 at the 10th percentile to $130,560 at the 90th percentile — a $76,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,320, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,600. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level forester earns around $56,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,320
+$12,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,200
+$18,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,600
+$26,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $53,760
25th Percentile $65,280
Median (50th) $81,651
75th Percentile $104,960
90th Percentile $130,560

Forester Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Forester in Boulder

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Boulder

Browse open forester positions in Boulder, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Boulder

How much does a Forester make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median forester salary in Boulder, Colorado is $81,651 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $53,760 (10th percentile) to $130,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,651, a forester in Boulder earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for forester pay? ▼
Boulder's median forester salary of $81,651 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $66,980. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $81,651 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Boulder? ▼
Most forester positions in Boulder 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.