Agriculture & Environment Santa Fe, NM Pop. 87,505

Forester Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The median forester salary in Santa Fe, NM is $70,169 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$70,169
vs State Avg
+$10,844
vs National
+$6,379
Cost of Living
110%

Forester Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)

Santa Fe offers a median forester salary of $70,169, which is $10,844 above the New Mexico state average of $59,325. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Santa Fe pays above average for this role.

Santa Fe's cost of living is 110% 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 Santa Fe spans from $46,200 at the 10th percentile to $112,200 at the 90th percentile — a $66,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,400, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,500. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Santa Fe by Experience

In Santa Fe, an entry-level forester earns around $48,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,400
+$4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,500
+$6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,500
+$9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM

Percentile Santa Fe
10th Percentile $46,200
25th Percentile $56,100
Median (50th) $70,169
75th Percentile $90,200
90th Percentile $112,200

Forester Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

How to Become a Forester in Santa Fe

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Santa Fe

Browse open forester positions in Santa Fe, NM:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Santa Fe

How much does a Forester make in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
The median forester salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico is $70,169 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $46,200 (10th percentile) to $112,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Santa Fe? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,169, a forester in Santa Fe earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Santa Fe compare to the New Mexico state average for forester pay? ▼
Santa Fe's median forester salary of $70,169 is 18.3% above the New Mexico state average of $59,325. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
Santa Fe has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $70,169 in Santa Fe has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Santa Fe? ▼
Most forester positions in Santa Fe 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.