Agriculture & Environment Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Forester Salary in Houston, Texas

The median forester salary in Houston, TX is $61,238 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$61,238
vs State Avg
+$2,551
vs National
$-2,552
Cost of Living
96%

Forester Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median forester salary of $61,238, which is $2,551 above the Texas state average of $58,687. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $97,920 at the 90th percentile — a $57,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,200. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level forester earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-1,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,400
$-2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,200
$-3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $48,960
Median (50th) $61,238
75th Percentile $78,720
90th Percentile $97,920

Forester Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Forester in Houston

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Houston

Browse open forester positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Houston

How much does a Forester make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median forester salary in Houston, Texas is $61,238 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $97,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,238, a forester in Houston earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for forester pay? ▼
Houston's median forester salary of $61,238 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $58,687. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $61,238 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Houston? ▼
Most forester positions in Houston 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.