Agriculture & Environment Pittsburgh, PA Pop. 302,971

Forester Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The median forester salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $59,325 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$59,325
vs State Avg
$-1,913
vs National
$-4,465
Cost of Living
93%

Forester Pay in Pittsburgh: What to Expect (2026)

Pittsburgh offers a median forester salary of $59,325, which is $1,913 below the Pennsylvania state average of $61,238. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pittsburgh's cost of living is 93% 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 Pittsburgh spans from $39,060 at the 10th percentile to $94,860 at the 90th percentile — a $55,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,920, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,350. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience

In Pittsburgh, an entry-level forester earns around $40,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,920
$-3,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,450
$-4,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pittsburgh, PA

Percentile Pittsburgh
10th Percentile $39,060
25th Percentile $47,430
Median (50th) $59,325
75th Percentile $76,260
90th Percentile $94,860

Forester Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Forester in Pittsburgh

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Pittsburgh

Browse open forester positions in Pittsburgh, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Pittsburgh

How much does a Forester make in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
The median forester salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is $59,325 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $39,060 (10th percentile) to $94,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Pittsburgh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,325, a forester in Pittsburgh earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the Pennsylvania state average for forester pay? ▼
Pittsburgh's median forester salary of $59,325 is 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $61,238. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $59,325 in Pittsburgh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Pittsburgh? ▼
Most forester positions in Pittsburgh 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.