Agriculture & Environment Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Forester Salary in Wisconsin

The median forester salary in Wisconsin is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$58,687
vs National
$-5,103
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Forester Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $58,687 per year, foresters in Wisconsin earn $5,103 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $58,687 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $38,640, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $93,840 — a $55,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $63,790.

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for foresters across the country.

Forester Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level forester earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $46,920
Median (50th) $58,687
75th Percentile $75,440
90th Percentile $93,840

Forester Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for foresters in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Wisconsin

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Forester make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median forester salary in Wisconsin is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $93,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,687, a forester in Wisconsin earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for foresters? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $40,480, while senior professionals earn $87,400.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Wisconsin's median of $58,687 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($58,687) and Texas ($58,687).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level forester in Wisconsin earns approximately $40,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,400.
What city in Wisconsin pays foresters the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for foresters, with a median salary of $63,790. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.