Agriculture & Environment Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Forester Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median forester salary in Salem, OR is $65,066 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$65,066
vs State Avg
$-5,103
vs National
+$1,276
Cost of Living
102%

Forester Pay in Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Salem offers a median forester salary of $65,066, which is $5,103 below the Oregon state average of $70,169. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $104,040 at the 90th percentile — a $61,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,880, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,900. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level forester earns around $44,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,880
+$880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,300
+$1,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,900
+$1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $52,020
Median (50th) $65,066
75th Percentile $83,640
90th Percentile $104,040

Forester Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Forester in Salem

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Salem

Browse open forester positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Salem

How much does a Forester make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median forester salary in Salem, Oregon is $65,066 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $104,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,066, a forester in Salem earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for forester pay? ▼
Salem's median forester salary of $65,066 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $70,169. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $65,066 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Salem? ▼
Most forester positions in 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.