Agriculture & Environment Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Forester Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median forester salary in Las Cruces, NM is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$56,135
vs State Avg
$-3,190
vs National
$-7,655
Cost of Living
88%

Forester Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median forester salary of $56,135, which is $3,190 below the New Mexico state average of $59,325. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Las Cruces pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Las Cruces's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Las Cruces spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level forester earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $56,135
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $89,760

Forester Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$70,169
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$60,601
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$58,687
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$52,308
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Forester in Las Cruces

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open forester positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Forester make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median forester salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,135, a forester in Las Cruces earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for forester pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median forester salary of $56,135 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $59,325. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $56,135 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Las Cruces? ▼
Most forester positions in Las Cruces 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.