Agriculture & Environment New York (NY) Rank #5 of 50

Forester Salary in New York

The median forester salary in New York is $77,824 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$77,824
vs National
+$14,034
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Forester Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for forester compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for foresters seeking high pay. At $77,824 per year, foresters in New York earn $14,034 more than the national median of $63,790.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $77,824 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $63,790.

The salary spread in New York is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $51,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $124,440 — a $73,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $119,287.

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for foresters across the country.

Forester Salary in New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level forester earns around $53,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,900 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,680
+$9,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,300
+$14,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,900
+$20,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $51,240
25th Percentile $62,220
Median (50th) $77,824
75th Percentile $100,040
90th Percentile $124,440

Forester Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for foresters in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in New York

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. New York has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in New York

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). New York's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in New York

How much does a Forester make in New York? ▼
The median forester salary in New York is $77,824 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $51,240 (10th percentile) to $124,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,824, a forester in New York earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for foresters? ▼
New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $53,680, while senior professionals earn $115,900.
How does New York compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. New York's median of $77,824 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($86,117) and Alaska ($79,100).
What is the entry-level forester salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level forester in New York earns approximately $53,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,900.
What city in New York pays foresters the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for foresters, with a median salary of $119,287. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.