Agriculture & Environment North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Forester Salary in North Dakota

The median forester salary in North Dakota is $57,411 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$57,411
vs National
$-6,379
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Forester Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,411 per year, foresters in North Dakota earn $6,379 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $57,411 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $37,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $91,800 — a $54,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $59,963.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level forester earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,500
$-9,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $45,900
Median (50th) $57,411
75th Percentile $73,800
90th Percentile $91,800

Forester Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for foresters in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Forester make in North Dakota? ▼
The median forester salary in North Dakota is $57,411 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $91,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,411, a forester in North Dakota earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for foresters? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $39,600, while senior professionals earn $85,500.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. North Dakota's median of $57,411 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($57,411) and Nebraska ($57,411).
What is the entry-level forester salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level forester in North Dakota earns approximately $39,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $85,500.
What city in North Dakota pays foresters the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for foresters, with a median salary of $59,963. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.