Agriculture & Environment Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Forester Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median forester salary in Seattle, WA is $94,409 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$94,409
vs State Avg
+$21,050
vs National
+$30,619
Cost of Living
148%

Forester Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median forester salary of $94,409, which is $21,050 above the Washington state average of $73,359. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,409 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Seattle spans from $62,160 at the 10th percentile to $150,960 at the 90th percentile — a $88,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,120, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,600. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level forester earns around $65,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,120
+$21,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,200
+$31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,600
+$45,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $62,160
25th Percentile $75,480
Median (50th) $94,409
75th Percentile $121,360
90th Percentile $150,960

Forester Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$96,961
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$70,169
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$65,066
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$58,687
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Forester in Seattle

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Seattle

Browse open forester positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Seattle

How much does a Forester make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median forester salary in Seattle, Washington is $94,409 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $62,160 (10th percentile) to $150,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,409, a forester in Seattle earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for forester pay? ▼
Seattle's median forester salary of $94,409 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $73,359. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $94,409 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Seattle? ▼
Most forester positions in Seattle 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.