Agriculture & Environment Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Forester Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median forester salary in Atlanta, GA is $65,066 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$65,066
vs State Avg
+$5,741
vs National
+$1,276
Cost of Living
102%

Forester Pay in Atlanta: What to Expect (2026)

Atlanta offers a median forester salary of $65,066, which is $5,741 above the Georgia state average of $59,325. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% 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 Atlanta spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $104,040 at the 90th percentile — a $61,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,880, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,900. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, an entry-level forester earns around $44,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,880
+$880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,300
+$1,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,900
+$1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $52,020
Median (50th) $65,066
75th Percentile $83,640
90th Percentile $104,040

Forester Salary in Other Georgia Cities

How to Become a Forester in Atlanta

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open forester positions in Atlanta, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Forester make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median forester salary in Atlanta, Georgia is $65,066 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $104,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,066, a forester in Atlanta earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for forester pay? ▼
Atlanta's median forester salary of $65,066 is 9.7% above the Georgia state average of $59,325. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $65,066 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Atlanta? ▼
Most forester positions in Atlanta 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.