Agriculture & Environment Morgantown, WV Pop. 30,955

Forester Salary in Morgantown, West Virginia

The median forester salary in Morgantown, WV is $57,411 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 7.1% above the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$57,411
vs State Avg
+$3,827
vs National
$-6,379
Cost of Living
90%

Forester Pay in Morgantown: What to Expect (2026)

Morgantown offers a median forester salary of $57,411, which is $3,827 above the West Virginia state average of $53,584. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Morgantown pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Morgantown's cost of living is 90% 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 Morgantown spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $91,800 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. Morgantown is a smaller market (pop. 30,955), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Morgantown by Experience

In Morgantown, an entry-level forester earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,500
$-9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Morgantown, WV

Percentile Morgantown
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $45,900
Median (50th) $57,411
75th Percentile $73,800
90th Percentile $91,800

Forester Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

How to Become a Forester in Morgantown

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Morgantown

Browse open forester positions in Morgantown, WV:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Morgantown

How much does a Forester make in Morgantown, WV? ▼
The median forester salary in Morgantown, West Virginia is $57,411 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $91,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Morgantown? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,411, a forester in Morgantown earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Morgantown compare to the West Virginia state average for forester pay? ▼
Morgantown's median forester salary of $57,411 is 7.1% above the West Virginia state average of $53,584. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Morgantown, WV? ▼
Morgantown has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $57,411 in Morgantown has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Morgantown? ▼
Most forester positions in Morgantown 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.