Foresters
Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
Is foresters a good career?
It scores 15/100 and ranks #500 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($76,400)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+1.2%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What foresters earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. foresters earn between $62,710 and $91,640 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live foresters jobs
No live foresters openings yet
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
To enter their occupation, conservation scientists and foresters typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related subject, such as agriculture or biology.
Bachelor’s degree programs in forestry and related fields typically include courses in biology, ecology, and forest measurement. Conservation scientists and foresters also typically have a background in Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, remote sensing, and other forms of computer modeling.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Several states may require some type of credentialing process for conservation scientists and foresters. In some of these states, conservation scientists and foresters must be licensed; check with your state licensing board
Some conservation scientists and foresters earn optional certification related to their area of work.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Conservation scientists and foresters must be able to evaluate results from field tests and experiments to determine potential impacts on soil, forest lands, and the spread of fires.
Communication skills. Conservation scientists and foresters must convey information to firefighters, forest and conservation workers, landowners, and, sometimes, the public.
Critical-thinking skills. Conservation scientists and foresters use reasoning to reach conclusions and to determine improvements for forest conditions.
Management skills. Conservation scientists and foresters must be able to lead the forest and conservation workers and technicians they supervise.
Physical stamina. Conservation scientists and foresters may walk long distances in challenging terrain, such as steep or wooded areas, and may work in all kinds of weather conditions.
Related occupations
How much do foresters make?
The national median wage is $76,400 a year, with the middle half earning between $62,710 and $91,640 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is foresters a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 15 of 100 and ranks #500 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +1.2% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a forester?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do foresters earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($107,120). Local pay for every state and metro is below.