Agriculture & Environment Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Forester Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median forester salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$58,687
vs State Avg
+$638
vs National
$-5,103
Cost of Living
92%

Forester Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median forester salary of $58,687, which is $638 above the Louisiana state average of $58,049. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% 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 Baton Rouge spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $93,840 at the 90th percentile — a $55,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,480, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level forester earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $46,920
Median (50th) $58,687
75th Percentile $75,440
90th Percentile $93,840

Forester Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$62,514
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$56,135
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$54,859
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$54,222
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Forester in Baton Rouge

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open forester positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Forester make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median forester salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $93,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,687, a forester in Baton Rouge earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for forester pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median forester salary of $58,687 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $58,049. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $58,687 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most forester positions in Baton Rouge 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.