Agriculture & Environment Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Forester Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median forester salary in Silver Spring, MD is $77,824 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$77,824
vs State Avg
+$7,655
vs National
+$14,034
Cost of Living
122%

Forester Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median forester salary of $77,824, which is $7,655 above the Maryland state average of $70,169. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $77,824 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Silver Spring spans from $51,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,440 at the 90th percentile — a $73,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,680, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,900. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level forester earns around $53,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,680
+$9,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,300
+$14,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,900
+$20,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $51,240
25th Percentile $62,220
Median (50th) $77,824
75th Percentile $100,040
90th Percentile $124,440

Forester Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$75,272
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$73,359
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$68,893
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$66,980
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Forester in Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open forester positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Forester make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median forester salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $77,824 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $51,240 (10th percentile) to $124,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,824, a forester in Silver Spring earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for forester pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median forester salary of $77,824 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $70,169. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $77,824 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Silver Spring? ▼
Most forester positions in Silver Spring 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.