Agriculture & Environment Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Forester Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median forester salary in Denver, CO is $71,445 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$71,445
vs State Avg
+$4,465
vs National
+$7,655
Cost of Living
112%

Forester Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median forester salary of $71,445, which is $4,465 above the Colorado state average of $66,980. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $71,445 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Denver spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $114,240 at the 90th percentile — a $67,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,280, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,400. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level forester earns around $49,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,280
+$5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,800
+$7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,400
+$11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $47,040
25th Percentile $57,120
Median (50th) $71,445
75th Percentile $91,840
90th Percentile $114,240

Forester Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$81,651
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$67,617
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$66,980
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$63,790
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Forester in Denver

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Denver

Browse open forester positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Denver

How much does a Forester make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median forester salary in Denver, Colorado is $71,445 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $114,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,445, a forester in Denver earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for forester pay? ▼
Denver's median forester salary of $71,445 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $66,980. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $71,445 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Denver? ▼
Most forester positions in Denver 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.