Foresters

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $76,400/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$50,790$109,700

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +1.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 1,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Active ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionMonitoringWritingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisSystems Evaluation

Top knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementBiologyLaw and GovernmentMathematicsGeographyPublic Safety and Security

Core tasks

• Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.

• Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.

• Plan and implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.

• Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.

• Plan cutting programs and manage timber sales from harvested areas, assisting companies to achieve production goals.

• Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.

• Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.

• Map forest area soils and vegetation to estimate the amount of standing timber and future value and growth.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Foresters?

The median pay for Foresters is $76,400 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Foresters?

Employment for Foresters is projected to change +1.2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Foresters?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Foresters?

About 1,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.