Agriculture & Environment Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Forester Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median forester salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$58,687
vs State Avg
$-638
vs National
$-5,103
Cost of Living
92%

Forester Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median forester salary of $58,687, which is $638 below the New Mexico state average of $59,325. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $93,840 at the 90th percentile — a $55,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,480, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level forester earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $46,920
Median (50th) $58,687
75th Percentile $75,440
90th Percentile $93,840

Forester Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$70,169
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$60,601
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$56,135
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$52,308
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Forester in Rio Rancho

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open forester positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Forester make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median forester salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $93,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,687, a forester in Rio Rancho earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for forester pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median forester salary of $58,687 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $59,325. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $58,687 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most forester positions in Rio Rancho 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.