Agriculture & Environment Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Forester Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median forester salary in Rockford, IL is $52,308 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$52,308
vs State Avg
$-8,293
vs National
$-11,482
Cost of Living
82%

Forester Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median forester salary of $52,308, which is $8,293 below the Illinois state average of $60,601. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,308 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Rockford spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level forester earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,080
$-7,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,300
$-11,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $34,440
25th Percentile $41,820
Median (50th) $52,308
75th Percentile $67,240
90th Percentile $83,640

Forester Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$68,893
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$68,255
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$60,601
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$54,222
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Forester in Rockford

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Rockford

Browse open forester positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Rockford

How much does a Forester make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median forester salary in Rockford, Illinois is $52,308 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,308, a forester in Rockford earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for forester pay? ▼
Rockford's median forester salary of $52,308 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $60,601. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $52,308 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Rockford? ▼
Most forester positions in Rockford 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.