Agriculture & Environment Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Forester Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median forester salary in Cleveland, OH is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$54,859
vs State Avg
$-2,552
vs National
$-8,931
Cost of Living
86%

Forester Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median forester salary of $54,859, which is $2,552 below the Ohio state average of $57,411. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Cleveland 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 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH

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

Forester Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$60,601
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$57,411
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$53,584
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$52,308
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Forester in Cleveland

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open forester positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Forester make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median forester salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,859, a forester in Cleveland earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for forester pay? ▼
Cleveland's median forester salary of $54,859 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $57,411. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,859 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Cleveland? ▼
Most forester positions in Cleveland 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.