Agriculture & Environment Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Forester Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median forester salary in Lafayette, LA is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$56,135
vs State Avg
$-1,914
vs National
$-7,655
Cost of Living
88%

Forester Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median forester salary of $56,135, which is $1,914 below the Louisiana state average of $58,049. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Lafayette spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level forester earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $56,135
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $89,760

Forester Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$62,514
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$58,687
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$54,859
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$54,222
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Forester in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open forester positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Forester make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median forester salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,135, a forester in Lafayette earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for forester pay? ▼
Lafayette's median forester salary of $56,135 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $58,049. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $56,135 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Lafayette? ▼
Most forester positions in Lafayette 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.