Forester Salary in Huntington, WV: $52,308 (2026)

Forester Pay in Huntington: What to Expect (2026)

Huntington offers a median forester salary of $52,308, which is $1,276 below the West Virginia state average of $53,584. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Huntington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Huntington's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,308 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Huntington an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Huntington spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Huntington is a smaller market (pop. 46,842), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Huntington by Experience

In Huntington, an entry-level forester earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,080

$-7,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,300

$-11,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,900

$-17,100 vs national

Percentile	Huntington	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$34,440	$35,280	$42,000
25th Percentile	$41,820	$42,840	$51,000
Median (50th)	$52,308	$53,584	$63,790
75th Percentile	$67,240	$68,880	$82,000
90th Percentile	$83,640	$85,680	$102,000

Percentile

Huntington

10th Percentile

$34,440

25th Percentile

$41,820

Median (50th)

$52,308

75th Percentile

$67,240

90th Percentile

$83,640

How to Become a Forester in Huntington

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Huntington

How much does a Forester make in Huntington, WV? ▼

The median forester salary in Huntington, West Virginia is $52,308 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $52,308, a forester in Huntington earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Huntington compare to the West Virginia state average for forester pay? ▼

Huntington's median forester salary of $52,308 is 2.4% below the West Virginia state average of $53,584. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Huntington, WV? ▼

Huntington has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $52,308 in Huntington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most forester positions in Huntington 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 Huntington, West Virginia