Agriculture & Environment Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Forester Salary in Pennsylvania

The median forester salary in Pennsylvania is $61,238 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$61,238
vs National
$-2,552
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Forester Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for forester pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $61,238 per year, foresters in Pennsylvania earn $2,552 less than the national median of $63,790.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning forester salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $40,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $97,920 — a $57,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $65,066.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level forester earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,200 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-1,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,400
$-2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,200
$-3,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $48,960
Median (50th) $61,238
75th Percentile $78,720
90th Percentile $97,920

Forester Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for foresters in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Forester make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median forester salary in Pennsylvania is $61,238 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $97,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,238, a forester in Pennsylvania earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for foresters? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $42,240, while senior professionals earn $91,200.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Pennsylvania's median of $61,238 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($61,876) and Utah ($61,876).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level forester in Pennsylvania earns approximately $42,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $91,200.
What city in Pennsylvania pays foresters the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for foresters, with a median salary of $65,066. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.