Agriculture & Environment Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Forester Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median forester salary in Chicago, IL is $68,255 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$68,255
vs State Avg
+$7,654
vs National
+$4,465
Cost of Living
107%

Forester Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level forester earns around $47,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,080
+$3,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,550
+$4,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,650
+$6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $44,940
25th Percentile $54,570
Median (50th) $68,255
75th Percentile $87,740
90th Percentile $109,140

Forester Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$68,893
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$60,601
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$54,222
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$52,308
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Forester in Chicago

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.