Agriculture & Environment Fargo, ND Pop. 125,990

Forester Salary in Fargo, North Dakota

The median forester salary in Fargo, ND is $59,963 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 4.4% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$59,963
vs State Avg
+$2,552
vs National
$-3,827
Cost of Living
94%

Forester Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median forester salary of $59,963, which is $2,552 above the North Dakota state average of $57,411. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Fargo's cost of living is 94% 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 Fargo spans from $39,480 at the 10th percentile to $95,880 at the 90th percentile — a $56,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,360, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,300. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level forester earns around $41,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,100
$-3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,300
$-5,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fargo, ND

Percentile Fargo
10th Percentile $39,480
25th Percentile $47,940
Median (50th) $59,963
75th Percentile $77,080
90th Percentile $95,880

Forester Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Forester in Fargo

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Fargo

Browse open forester positions in Fargo, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Fargo

How much does a Forester make in Fargo, ND? ▼
The median forester salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $59,963 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $39,480 (10th percentile) to $95,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,963, a forester in Fargo earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for forester pay? ▼
Fargo's median forester salary of $59,963 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $57,411. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fargo, ND? ▼
Fargo has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $59,963 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Fargo? ▼
Most forester positions in Fargo 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.