Agriculture & Environment Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Forester Salary in Delaware

The median forester salary in Delaware is $64,428 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$64,428
vs National
+$638
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Forester Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for forester pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,428 per year, foresters in Delaware earn $638 more than the national median of $63,790.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning forester salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $42,420, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $103,020 — a $60,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $66,980.

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 Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level forester earns around $44,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,950 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,440
+$440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,650
+$650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,950
+$950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $42,420
25th Percentile $51,510
Median (50th) $64,428
75th Percentile $82,820
90th Percentile $103,020

Forester Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for foresters in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Delaware

How much does a Forester make in Delaware? ▼
The median forester salary in Delaware is $64,428 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $42,420 (10th percentile) to $103,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,428, a forester in Delaware earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for foresters? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $44,440, while senior professionals earn $95,950.
How does Delaware compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Delaware's median of $64,428 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($66,980) and Virginia ($66,342).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level forester in Delaware earns approximately $44,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,650. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,950.
What city in Delaware pays foresters the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for foresters, with a median salary of $66,980. Other cities include Dover and Newark.