Agriculture & Environment Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Forester Salary in Portland, Maine

The median forester salary in Portland, ME is $68,893 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$68,893
vs State Avg
+$6,379
vs National
+$5,103
Cost of Living
108%

Forester Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median forester salary of $68,893, which is $6,379 above the Maine state average of $62,514. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% 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 Portland spans from $45,360 at the 10th percentile to $110,160 at the 90th percentile — a $64,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,600. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level forester earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
+$3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,200
+$5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,600
+$7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $45,360
25th Percentile $55,080
Median (50th) $68,893
75th Percentile $88,560
90th Percentile $110,160

Forester Salary in Other Maine Cities

How to Become a Forester in Portland

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Portland

Browse open forester positions in Portland, ME:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Portland

How much does a Forester make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median forester salary in Portland, Maine is $68,893 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $45,360 (10th percentile) to $110,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,893, a forester in Portland earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for forester pay? ▼
Portland's median forester salary of $68,893 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $62,514. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $68,893 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Portland? ▼
Most forester positions in Portland 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.