Agriculture & Environment New York City, NY Pop. 8,336,817

Forester Salary in New York City, New York

The median forester salary in New York City, NY is $119,287 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median and 53.3% above the New York state average.

City Median
$119,287
vs State Avg
+$41,463
vs National
+$55,497
Cost of Living
187%

Forester Pay in New York City: What to Expect (2026)

New York City offers a median forester salary of $119,287, which is $41,463 above the New York state average of $77,824. Compared to the national median of $63,790, New York City pays above average for this role.

However, New York City's cost of living index is 187%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $119,287 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in New York City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in New York City spans from $78,540 at the 10th percentile to $190,740 at the 90th percentile — a $112,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,280, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $177,650. As a major metro area with a population of 8,336,817, New York City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in New York City by Experience

In New York City, an entry-level forester earns around $82,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $177,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,280
+$38,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,550
+$56,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$177,650
+$82,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New York City, NY

Percentile New York City
10th Percentile $78,540
25th Percentile $95,370
Median (50th) $119,287
75th Percentile $153,340
90th Percentile $190,740

Forester Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Forester in New York City

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in New York City

Browse open forester positions in New York City, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in New York City

How much does a Forester make in New York City, NY? ▼
The median forester salary in New York City, New York is $119,287 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $78,540 (10th percentile) to $190,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in New York City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,287, a forester in New York City earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New York City compare to the New York state average for forester pay? ▼
New York City's median forester salary of $119,287 is 53.3% above the New York state average of $77,824. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New York City, NY? ▼
New York City has a cost of living index of 187% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $119,287 in New York City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in New York City? ▼
Most forester positions in New York City 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.