Agriculture & Environment Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Forester Salary in Tennessee

The median forester salary in Tennessee 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
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Forester Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,773 per year, foresters in Tennessee earn $7,017 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $63,790.

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 Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level forester earns around $39,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,550 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee 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 Tennessee

Percentile TN 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 Tennessee

The largest employment areas for foresters in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Forester make in Tennessee? ▼
The median forester salary in Tennessee 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 Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,773, a forester in Tennessee earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for foresters? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 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 Tennessee compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Tennessee's median of $56,773 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($56,773) and South Carolina ($56,773).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level forester in Tennessee 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 Tennessee pays foresters the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for foresters, with a median salary of $63,790. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.