Agriculture & Environment Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Forester Salary in Ohio

The median forester salary in Ohio 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
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Forester Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,411 per year, foresters in Ohio earn $6,379 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $60,601.

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 Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level forester earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio 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 Ohio

Percentile OH 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 Ohio

The largest employment areas for foresters in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Ohio

How much does a Forester make in Ohio? ▼
The median forester salary in Ohio 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 Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,411, a forester in Ohio earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for foresters? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 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 Ohio compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Ohio's median of $57,411 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($57,411) and North Dakota ($57,411).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level forester in Ohio 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 Ohio pays foresters the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for foresters, with a median salary of $60,601. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.