Forester Salary in Pocatello, ID: $54,859 (2026)

Forester Pay in Pocatello: What to Expect (2026)

Pocatello offers a median forester salary of $54,859, which is $5,104 below the Idaho state average of $59,963. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Pocatello pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Pocatello's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,859 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Pocatello an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Pocatello spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Pocatello is a smaller market (pop. 56,548), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Pocatello by Experience

In Pocatello, an entry-level forester earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,840

$-6,160 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Pocatello	ID State	National
10th Percentile	$36,120	$39,480	$42,000
25th Percentile	$43,860	$47,940	$51,000
Median (50th)	$54,859	$59,963	$63,790
75th Percentile	$70,520	$77,080	$82,000
90th Percentile	$87,720	$95,880	$102,000

Percentile

Pocatello

10th Percentile

$36,120

25th Percentile

$43,860

Median (50th)

$54,859

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$87,720

How to Become a Forester in Pocatello

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Pocatello

How much does a Forester make in Pocatello, ID? ▼

The median forester salary in Pocatello, Idaho is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $54,859, a forester in Pocatello earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Pocatello compare to the Idaho state average for forester pay? ▼

Pocatello's median forester salary of $54,859 is 8.5% below the Idaho state average of $59,963. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Pocatello, ID? ▼

Pocatello has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,859 in Pocatello has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most forester positions in Pocatello 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 Pocatello, Idaho