Agriculture & Environment Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Forester Salary in Minnesota

The median forester salary in Minnesota is $61,876 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$61,876
vs National
$-1,914
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Forester Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for forester pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $61,876 per year, foresters in Minnesota earn $1,914 less than the national median of $63,790.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning forester salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $40,740, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $98,940 — a $58,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $66,980.

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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level forester earns around $42,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,150 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,680
$-1,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,050
$-1,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,150
$-2,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $40,740
25th Percentile $49,470
Median (50th) $61,876
75th Percentile $79,540
90th Percentile $98,940

Forester Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for foresters in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Forester make in Minnesota? ▼
The median forester salary in Minnesota is $61,876 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $40,740 (10th percentile) to $98,940 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,876, a forester in Minnesota earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for foresters? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $42,680, while senior professionals earn $92,150.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Minnesota's median of $61,876 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($62,514) and Arizona ($61,876).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level forester in Minnesota earns approximately $42,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $63,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,150.
What city in Minnesota pays foresters the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for foresters, with a median salary of $66,980. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.