Agriculture & Environment Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Forester Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median forester salary in Charleston, SC is $63,790 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$63,790
vs State Avg
+$7,017
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Forester Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median forester salary of $63,790, which is $7,017 above the South Carolina state average of $56,773. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $102,000 at the 90th percentile — a $60,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level forester earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $51,000
Median (50th) $63,790
75th Percentile $82,000
90th Percentile $102,000

Forester Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Forester in Charleston

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Charleston

Browse open forester positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Charleston

How much does a Forester make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median forester salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $63,790 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $102,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,790, a forester in Charleston earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for forester pay? ▼
Charleston's median forester salary of $63,790 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $56,773. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $63,790 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Charleston? ▼
Most forester positions in Charleston 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.