Agriculture & Environment Racine, WI Pop. 77,816

Forester Salary in Racine, Wisconsin

The median forester salary in Racine, WI is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$54,859
vs State Avg
$-3,828
vs National
$-8,931
Cost of Living
86%

Forester Pay in Racine: What to Expect (2026)

Racine offers a median forester salary of $54,859, which is $3,828 below the Wisconsin state average of $58,687. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Racine pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Racine's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,859 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Racine an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Racine spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Racine is a smaller market (pop. 77,816), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Racine by Experience

In Racine, an entry-level forester earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Racine, WI

Percentile Racine
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $43,860
Median (50th) $54,859
75th Percentile $70,520
90th Percentile $87,720

Forester Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$63,790
Pop. 269,840
Milwaukee, WI
$58,687
Pop. 577,222
Kenosha, WI
$57,411
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$56,135
Pop. 107,395

How to Become a Forester in Racine

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Racine

Browse open forester positions in Racine, WI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Racine

How much does a Forester make in Racine, WI? ▼
The median forester salary in Racine, Wisconsin is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Racine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,859, a forester in Racine earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Racine compare to the Wisconsin state average for forester pay? ▼
Racine's median forester salary of $54,859 is 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average of $58,687. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Racine, WI? ▼
Racine has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,859 in Racine has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Racine? ▼
Most forester positions in Racine 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.