Agriculture & Environment Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Forester Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median forester salary in Philadelphia, PA is $65,066 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$65,066
vs State Avg
+$3,828
vs National
+$1,276
Cost of Living
102%

Forester Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median forester salary of $65,066, which is $3,828 above the Pennsylvania state average of $61,238. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia 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. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA

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

Forester Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$59,963
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$59,325
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$56,135
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$53,584
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Forester in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open forester positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Forester make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median forester salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,066, a forester in Philadelphia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for forester pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median forester salary of $65,066 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $61,238. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $65,066 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Philadelphia? ▼
Most forester positions in Philadelphia 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.