Forester Salary in Memphis, TN: $54,859 (2026)

Forester Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median forester salary of $54,859, which is $1,914 below the Tennessee state average of $56,773. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,859 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Memphis spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level forester earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,840

$-6,160 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$36,120	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$43,860	$45,390	$51,000
Median (50th)	$54,859	$56,773	$63,790
75th Percentile	$70,520	$72,980	$82,000
90th Percentile	$87,720	$90,780	$102,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$36,120

25th Percentile

$43,860

Median (50th)

$54,859

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$87,720

How to Become a Forester in Memphis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Memphis

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

The median forester salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).

How much does a Forester make per hour in Memphis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,859, a forester in Memphis earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Memphis's median forester salary of $54,859 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $56,773. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

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

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,859 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most forester positions in Memphis 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 Memphis, Tennessee