Agriculture & Environment Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Forester Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median forester salary in Arlington, VA is $84,203 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$84,203
vs State Avg
+$17,861
vs National
+$20,413
Cost of Living
132%

Forester Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median forester salary of $84,203, which is $17,861 above the Virginia state average of $66,342. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $84,203 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Arlington spans from $55,440 at the 10th percentile to $134,640 at the 90th percentile — a $79,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,080, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $125,400. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level forester earns around $58,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,080
+$14,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,800
+$20,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,400
+$30,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $55,440
25th Percentile $67,320
Median (50th) $84,203
75th Percentile $108,240
90th Percentile $134,640

Forester Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$65,066
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$63,790
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$62,514
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$61,238
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Forester in Arlington

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Arlington

Browse open forester positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Arlington

How much does a Forester make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median forester salary in Arlington, Virginia is $84,203 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $55,440 (10th percentile) to $134,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,203, a forester in Arlington earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for forester pay? ▼
Arlington's median forester salary of $84,203 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $66,342. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $84,203 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Arlington? ▼
Most forester positions in Arlington 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.