Agriculture & Environment South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Forester Salary in South Carolina

The median forester salary in South Carolina is $56,773 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$56,773
vs National
$-7,017
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Forester Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,773 per year, foresters in South Carolina earn $7,017 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $56,773 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $37,380, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,780 — a $53,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $66,980.

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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level forester earns around $39,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,550 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,160
$-4,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,850
$-7,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,550
$-10,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $37,380
25th Percentile $45,390
Median (50th) $56,773
75th Percentile $72,980
90th Percentile $90,780

Forester Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for foresters in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Forester make in South Carolina? ▼
The median forester salary in South Carolina is $56,773 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $37,380 (10th percentile) to $90,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,773, a forester in South Carolina earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for foresters? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $39,160, while senior professionals earn $84,550.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. South Carolina's median of $56,773 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($57,411) and Iowa ($56,773).
What is the entry-level forester salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level forester in South Carolina earns approximately $39,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,850. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,550.
What city in South Carolina pays foresters the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for foresters, with a median salary of $66,980. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.