Agriculture & Environment South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

Forester Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median forester salary in South Portland, ME is $66,980 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$66,980
vs State Avg
+$4,466
vs National
+$3,190
Cost of Living
105%

Forester Pay in South Portland: What to Expect (2026)

South Portland offers a median forester salary of $66,980, which is $4,466 above the Maine state average of $62,514. Compared to the national median of $63,790, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% 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 South Portland spans from $44,100 at the 10th percentile to $107,100 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,750. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level forester earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
+$4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $44,100
25th Percentile $53,550
Median (50th) $66,980
75th Percentile $86,100
90th Percentile $107,100

Forester Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$68,893
Pop. 68,408
Bangor, ME
$58,687
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$57,411
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$56,773
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Forester in South Portland

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in South Portland

Browse open forester positions in South Portland, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in South Portland

How much does a Forester make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median forester salary in South Portland, Maine is $66,980 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $44,100 (10th percentile) to $107,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,980, a forester in South Portland earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for forester pay? ▼
South Portland's median forester salary of $66,980 is 7.1% above the Maine state average of $62,514. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼
South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $66,980 in South Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in South Portland? ▼
Most forester positions in South 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.