Agriculture & Environment Bozeman, MT Pop. 53,293

Forester Salary in Bozeman, Montana

The median forester salary in Bozeman, MT is $73,359 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 21.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$73,359
vs State Avg
+$12,758
vs National
+$9,569
Cost of Living
115%

Forester Pay in Bozeman: What to Expect (2026)

Bozeman offers a median forester salary of $73,359, which is $12,758 above the Montana state average of $60,601. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Bozeman pays above average for this role.

However, Bozeman's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $73,359 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bozeman should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Bozeman spans from $48,300 at the 10th percentile to $117,300 at the 90th percentile — a $69,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,600, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,250. Bozeman is a smaller market (pop. 53,293), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Bozeman by Experience

In Bozeman, an entry-level forester earns around $50,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,600
+$6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,750
+$9,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,250
+$14,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bozeman, MT

Percentile Bozeman
10th Percentile $48,300
25th Percentile $58,650
Median (50th) $73,359
75th Percentile $94,300
90th Percentile $117,300

Forester Salary in Other Montana Cities

Missoula, MT
$65,066
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$61,238
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$59,963
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$56,135
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Forester in Bozeman

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Bozeman

Browse open forester positions in Bozeman, MT:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Bozeman

How much does a Forester make in Bozeman, MT? ▼
The median forester salary in Bozeman, Montana is $73,359 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $48,300 (10th percentile) to $117,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Bozeman? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,359, a forester in Bozeman earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bozeman compare to the Montana state average for forester pay? ▼
Bozeman's median forester salary of $73,359 is 21.1% above the Montana state average of $60,601. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bozeman, MT? ▼
Bozeman has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $73,359 in Bozeman has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Bozeman? ▼
Most forester positions in Bozeman 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.