Agriculture & Environment Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Forester Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median forester salary in Boston, MA is $96,961 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$96,961
vs State Avg
+$10,844
vs National
+$33,171
Cost of Living
152%

Forester Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median forester salary of $96,961, which is $10,844 above the Massachusetts state average of $86,117. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $96,961 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Boston spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $155,040 at the 90th percentile — a $91,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,880, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,400. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level forester earns around $66,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,880
+$22,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,800
+$33,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,400
+$49,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $77,520
Median (50th) $96,961
75th Percentile $124,640
90th Percentile $155,040

Forester Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$102,064
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$70,169
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$66,980
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$62,514
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Forester in Boston

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Boston

Browse open forester positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Boston

How much does a Forester make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median forester salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $96,961 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $155,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,961, a forester in Boston earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for forester pay? ▼
Boston's median forester salary of $96,961 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $86,117. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $96,961 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Boston? ▼
Most forester positions in Boston 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.