Agriculture & Environment Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

Forester Salary in Louisiana

The median forester salary in Louisiana is $58,049 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$58,049
vs National
$-5,741
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Forester Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $58,049 per year, foresters in Louisiana earn $5,741 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $58,049 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $38,220, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,820 — a $54,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $62,514.

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for foresters across the country.

Forester Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level forester earns around $40,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,450 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,150
$-5,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,450
$-8,550 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $46,410
Median (50th) $58,049
75th Percentile $74,620
90th Percentile $92,820

Forester Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for foresters in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Louisiana

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Forester make in Louisiana? ▼
The median forester salary in Louisiana is $58,049 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $92,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,049, a forester in Louisiana earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for foresters? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $40,040, while senior professionals earn $86,450.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Louisiana's median of $58,049 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($58,687) and Wyoming ($58,687).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level forester in Louisiana earns approximately $40,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $86,450.
What city in Louisiana pays foresters the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for foresters, with a median salary of $62,514. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.