Forest and Conservation Workers
Forest and conservation workers perform physical labor to improve the quality of natural areas such as forests, rangelands, and wetlands.
Is forest and conservation workers a good career?
It scores 8/100 and ranks #789 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($43,680 vs $61,390)
- Employment is projected to decline (-4.7% through 2034)
What forest and conservation workers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. forest and conservation workers earn between $37,440 and $45,760 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live forest and conservation workers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Forest and conservation workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and a valid driver’s license before they begin working. Some students take postsecondary courses in forestry and conservation topics, such as forest ecology, wildlife management, or resource conservation.
Training
After they are hired, forest and conservation workers typically get on-the-job training. They help experienced workers with labor-intensive tasks, such as planting or thinning trees. They also learn how to operate and maintain equipment safely.
In addition, some states may require that crews and individuals receive training, and sometimes a license, in the use of commercial pesticides.
Advancement
To advance their careers and become forest and conservation technicians or conservation scientists or foresters, forest and conservation workers typically need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Forest and conservation workers must convey information to foresters and conservation scientists and other workers.
Decision-making skills. Forest and conservation workers must make judgments and act quickly, especially when conditions are dangerous.
Detail oriented. Forest and conservation workers must observe gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure that equipment works properly. They also must be precise in following safety procedures.
Listening skills. Forest and conservation workers must understand the instructions they receive before performing tasks.
Physical stamina. Forest and conservation workers perform a variety of strenuous tasks. They also must be able to walk long distances through dense woods, often while carrying heavy equipment.
Related occupations
How much do forest and conservation workers make?
The national median wage is $43,680 a year, with the middle half earning between $37,440 and $45,760 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is forest and conservation workers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 8 of 100 and ranks #789 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -4.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a forest and conservation worker?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do forest and conservation workers earn the most?
Among states, Idaho pays the highest median ($59,460). Local pay for every state and metro is below.