Forester Salary in Honolulu, HI: $111,633 (2026)

Forester Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median forester salary of $111,633, which is $3,190 above the Hawaii state average of $108,443. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $111,633 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Honolulu spans from $73,500 at the 10th percentile to $178,500 at the 90th percentile — a $105,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,000, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,250. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level forester earns around $77,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$77,000

+$33,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$113,750

+$48,750 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$166,250

+$71,250 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$73,500	$71,400	$42,000
25th Percentile	$89,250	$86,700	$51,000
Median (50th)	$111,633	$108,443	$63,790
75th Percentile	$143,500	$139,400	$82,000
90th Percentile	$178,500	$173,400	$102,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$73,500

25th Percentile

$89,250

Median (50th)

$111,633

75th Percentile

$143,500

90th Percentile

$178,500

How to Become a Forester in Honolulu

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Forester make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median forester salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $111,633 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $73,500 (10th percentile) to $178,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Forester make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $111,633, a forester in Honolulu earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for forester pay? ▼

Honolulu's median forester salary of $111,633 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $108,443. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $111,633 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Honolulu? ▼

Most forester positions in Honolulu 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.

Forester Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii