Agriculture & Environment Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Forester Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median forester salary in Albuquerque, NM is $60,601 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$60,601
vs State Avg
+$1,276
vs National
$-3,189
Cost of Living
95%

Forester Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median forester salary of $60,601, which is $1,276 above the New Mexico state average of $59,325. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $96,900 at the 90th percentile — a $57,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level forester earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $48,450
Median (50th) $60,601
75th Percentile $77,900
90th Percentile $96,900

Forester Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$70,169
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$58,687
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$56,135
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$52,308
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Forester in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open forester positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Forester make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median forester salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $60,601 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $96,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,601, a forester in Albuquerque earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for forester pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median forester salary of $60,601 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $59,325. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $60,601 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Albuquerque? ▼
Most forester positions in Albuquerque 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.