Agriculture & Environment Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Forester Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median forester salary in Parkersburg, WV is $51,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$51,032
vs State Avg
$-2,552
vs National
$-12,758
Cost of Living
80%

Forester Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)

Parkersburg offers a median forester salary of $51,032, which is $2,552 below the West Virginia state average of $53,584. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $51,032 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Parkersburg spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $81,600 at the 90th percentile — a $48,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level forester earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-8,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,000
$-13,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,000
$-19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $40,800
Median (50th) $51,032
75th Percentile $65,600
90th Percentile $81,600

Forester Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$57,411
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$56,135
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$52,308
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$49,756
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Forester in Parkersburg

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open forester positions in Parkersburg, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Forester make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median forester salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $51,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $81,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,032, a forester in Parkersburg earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for forester pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median forester salary of $51,032 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $53,584. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $51,032 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Parkersburg? ▼
Most forester positions in Parkersburg 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.