Agriculture & Environment Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Forester Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median forester salary in Fort Collins, CO is $67,617 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$67,617
vs State Avg
+$637
vs National
+$3,827
Cost of Living
106%

Forester Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median forester salary of $67,617, which is $637 above the Colorado state average of $66,980. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for foresters in Fort Collins spans from $44,520 at the 10th percentile to $108,120 at the 90th percentile — a $63,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,640, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,700. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level forester earns around $46,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,640
+$2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,900
+$3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,700
+$5,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $44,520
25th Percentile $54,060
Median (50th) $67,617
75th Percentile $86,920
90th Percentile $108,120

Forester Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Forester in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open forester positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Forester make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median forester salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $67,617 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $44,520 (10th percentile) to $108,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,617, a forester in Fort Collins earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for forester pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median forester salary of $67,617 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $66,980. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $67,617 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Fort Collins? ▼
Most forester positions in Fort Collins 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.