Agriculture & Environment Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Forester Salary in Austin, Texas

The median forester salary in Austin, TX is $66,980 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$66,980
vs State Avg
+$8,293
vs National
+$3,190
Cost of Living
105%

Forester Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median forester salary of $66,980, which is $8,293 above the Texas state average of $58,687. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $44,100 at the 10th percentile to $107,100 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,750. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level forester earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
+$4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $44,100
25th Percentile $53,550
Median (50th) $66,980
75th Percentile $86,100
90th Percentile $107,100

Forester Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Forester in Austin

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Austin

Browse open forester positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Austin

How much does a Forester make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median forester salary in Austin, Texas is $66,980 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $44,100 (10th percentile) to $107,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,980, a forester in Austin earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for forester pay? ▼
Austin's median forester salary of $66,980 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $58,687. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $66,980 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Austin? ▼
Most forester positions in Austin 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.