Agriculture & Environment Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Forester Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median forester salary in Paterson, NJ is $66,980 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$66,980
vs State Avg
$-6,379
vs National
+$3,190
Cost of Living
105%

Forester Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median forester salary of $66,980, which is $6,379 below the New Jersey state average of $73,359. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for foresters in Paterson spans from $44,100 at the 10th percentile to $107,100 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,750. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level forester earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
+$4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $44,100
25th Percentile $53,550
Median (50th) $66,980
75th Percentile $86,100
90th Percentile $107,100

Forester Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Forester in Paterson

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Paterson

Browse open forester positions in Paterson, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Paterson

How much does a Forester make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median forester salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $66,980 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $44,100 (10th percentile) to $107,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,980, a forester in Paterson earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for forester pay? ▼
Paterson's median forester salary of $66,980 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $73,359. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $66,980 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Paterson? ▼
Most forester positions in Paterson 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.