Agriculture & Environment Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

Forester Salary in Maryland

The median forester salary in Maryland is $70,169 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$70,169
vs National
+$6,379
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Forester Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for forester compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for foresters seeking high pay. At $70,169 per year, foresters in Maryland earn $6,379 more than the national median of $63,790.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $70,169 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $63,790.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $46,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $112,200 — a $66,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $77,824.

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 Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level forester earns around $48,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,500 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,400
+$4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,500
+$6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,500
+$9,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $46,200
25th Percentile $56,100
Median (50th) $70,169
75th Percentile $90,200
90th Percentile $112,200

Forester Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for foresters in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Maryland

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Maryland

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Maryland

How much does a Forester make in Maryland? ▼
The median forester salary in Maryland is $70,169 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $46,200 (10th percentile) to $112,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,169, a forester in Maryland earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for foresters? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $48,400, while senior professionals earn $104,500.
How does Maryland compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Maryland's median of $70,169 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($73,359) and Connecticut ($71,445).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level forester in Maryland earns approximately $48,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $104,500.
What city in Maryland pays foresters the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for foresters, with a median salary of $77,824. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.