Foresters
Overview
Introduction
Foresters protect and manage forest resources, one of our greatest natural assets, through various biological techniques. Using their specialized knowledge of tree biology and ecology, wood science, and manufacturing processes, they manage forests for timber production, protect them from fire and pest damage, harvest mature forests, and re-establish new forests after harvesting. Foresters hold about 15,400 jobs in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Median annual earnings of foresters were $67,330 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from less than $46,700 for the lowest paid 10 percent to more than $98,590 for the highest paid 10 percent. Fifty percent of foresters earned between $55,520 and $82,120. Foresters working for state government agencies earned an average salary of $65,540, while those who were...
Work Environment
Foresters generally work a 40-hour week, although they must be prepared for overtime duty, particularly when emergency conditions arise. In the field, foresters encounter many different conditions, such as snow, rain, freezing cold, or extreme heat. They may sometimes encounter hazardous conditions, such as forest fires.
Work as a forester is often strenuous. There is a lot of walking in...
Outlook
Employment for foresters is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all careers from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Most job growth for foresters will occur for those who work in state- and local-owned forests, particularly in the western United States. The DOL reports that the "prevention and suppression of wildfires has become the primary concern...
