Agriculture & Environment Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Forester Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median forester salary in Aurora, IL is $60,601 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$60,601
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,189
Cost of Living
95%

Forester Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median forester salary of $60,601, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $60,601. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% 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 Aurora spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $96,900 at the 90th percentile — a $57,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level forester earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $48,450
Median (50th) $60,601
75th Percentile $77,900
90th Percentile $96,900

Forester Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Forester in Aurora

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Aurora

Browse open forester positions in Aurora, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Aurora

How much does a Forester make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median forester salary in Aurora, Illinois is $60,601 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $96,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,601, a forester in Aurora earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for forester pay? ▼
Aurora's median forester salary of $60,601 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $60,601. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $60,601 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Aurora? ▼
Most forester positions in Aurora 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.