Agriculture & Environment North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Forester Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median forester salary in North Charleston, SC is $60,601 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$60,601
vs State Avg
+$3,828
vs National
$-3,189
Cost of Living
95%

Forester Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median forester salary of $60,601, which is $3,828 above the South Carolina state average of $56,773. Compared to the national median of $63,790, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% 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 North Charleston spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $96,900 at the 90th percentile — a $57,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level forester earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $48,450
Median (50th) $60,601
75th Percentile $77,900
90th Percentile $96,900

Forester Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$66,980
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$63,790
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$58,687
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$57,411
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Forester in North Charleston

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open forester positions in North Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Forester make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median forester salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $60,601 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $96,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,601, a forester in North Charleston earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for forester pay? ▼
North Charleston's median forester salary of $60,601 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $56,773. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $60,601 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in North Charleston? ▼
Most forester positions in North 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.