Forester Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $56,135 (2026)

Forester Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median forester salary of $56,135, which is $638 below the Tennessee state average of $56,773. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Chattanooga 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. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, 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

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$36,960	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$44,880	$45,390	$51,000
Median (50th)	$56,135	$56,773	$63,790
75th Percentile	$72,160	$72,980	$82,000
90th Percentile	$89,760	$90,780	$102,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$36,960

25th Percentile

$44,880

Median (50th)

$56,135

75th Percentile

$72,160

90th Percentile

$89,760

How to Become a Forester in Chattanooga

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Forester make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median forester salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee 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 Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,135, a forester in Chattanooga earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for forester pay? ▼

Chattanooga's median forester salary of $56,135 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $56,773. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $56,135 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Chattanooga? ▼

Most forester positions in Chattanooga 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.

Forester Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee