Agriculture & Environment Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Forester Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median forester salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$54,859
vs State Avg
$-3,828
vs National
$-8,931
Cost of Living
86%

Forester Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median forester salary of $54,859, which is $3,828 below the North Carolina state average of $58,687. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,859 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Winston-Salem spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level forester earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $43,860
Median (50th) $54,859
75th Percentile $70,520
90th Percentile $87,720

Forester Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$62,514
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$62,514
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$60,601
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$56,135
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Forester in Winston-Salem

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open forester positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Forester make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median forester salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,859, a forester in Winston-Salem earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for forester pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median forester salary of $54,859 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $58,687. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,859 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most forester positions in Winston-Salem 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.