Foresters
Foresters manage forested lands owned by government agencies, private companies, and organizations. They inventory timber, assess its value, negotiate purchases, and create harvest contracts. Foresters also plan for wildlife habitat protection, water resource management, and recreational use. Work takes place in forests, offices, and the field across the United States.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against foresters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A forester might spend mornings reviewing timber survey data and market prices at the office, then travel to a forest site to assess stands of trees and mark areas for harvest or conservation. The work involves measuring tree dimensions, documenting species and health, photographing conditions, and meeting with landowners or logging contractors. Administrative tasks include writing reports, updating management plans, and preparing contract documents based on field findings.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working outdoors and solving complex problems about land use and resource management. You're drawn to hands-on investigation—observing ecosystems, collecting data, and analyzing conditions—and you're comfortable balancing economic, environmental, and recreational goals.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Forester · Bureau of Land Management · Portland, Oregon · $135522–$176183
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $91,170 | $107,120 | $130,430 | 820 |
| Massachusetts | $74,680 | $89,650 | $98,760 | 130 |
| Alaska | $73,990 | $87,210 | $98,420 | 80 |
| South Carolina | $65,060 | $86,780 | $97,610 | 250 |
| Maryland | $62,260 | $86,100 | $95,150 | 120 |
| Connecticut | $82,310 | $84,820 | $91,530 | 60 |
| Iowa | $68,470 | $83,000 | $94,800 | 50 |
| Illinois | $73,490 | $82,160 | $105,580 | 220 |
| Oregon | $67,170 | $81,450 | $93,640 | 670 |
| Vermont | $70,200 | $80,750 | $89,320 | 80 |
| Texas | $70,690 | $80,370 | $95,350 | 210 |
| Alabama | $60,040 | $79,530 | $87,050 | 240 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Forester (CF) — Society of American Foresters
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against foresters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-1032.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.