Agriculture & Environment Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Forester Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median forester salary in Reading, PA is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$56,135
vs State Avg
$-5,103
vs National
$-7,655
Cost of Living
88%

Forester Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median forester salary of $56,135, which is $5,103 below the Pennsylvania state average of $61,238. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Reading spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level forester earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $56,135
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $89,760

Forester Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$65,066
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$59,963
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$59,325
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$53,584
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Forester in Reading

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Reading

Browse open forester positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Reading

How much does a Forester make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median forester salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,135, a forester in Reading earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for forester pay? ▼
Reading's median forester salary of $56,135 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $61,238. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $56,135 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Reading? ▼
Most forester positions in Reading 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.