Agriculture & Environment New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Forester Salary in New Jersey

The median forester salary in New Jersey is $73,359 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$73,359
vs National
+$9,569
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Forester Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for forester compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for foresters seeking high pay. At $73,359 per year, foresters in New Jersey earn $9,569 more than the national median of $63,790.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $73,359 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $63,790.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $48,300, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $117,300 — a $69,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $81,651.

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 New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level forester earns around $50,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey 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

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

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

Forester Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for foresters in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in New Jersey

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Forester make in New Jersey? ▼
The median forester salary in New Jersey 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 New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,359, a forester in New Jersey earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for foresters? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $50,600, while senior professionals earn $109,250.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. New Jersey's median of $73,359 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($79,100) and New York ($77,824).
What is the entry-level forester salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level forester in New Jersey earns approximately $50,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,250.
What city in New Jersey pays foresters the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for foresters, with a median salary of $81,651. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.