Foresters in California
Foresters manage forested lands owned by government agencies, private companies, and organizations. They inventory timber, assess its value, negotiate purchases, and create harvest contracts In California the median pay is $107,120 a year, 40% above the national median of $76,400.
$107,120median pay in California, per year
$91,170–$130,430middle half earn
820employed in California
$76,400U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against foresters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against foresters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Reading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingWriting
Knowledge areas
BiologyMathematics (knowledge)English LanguageGeographyAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal Service
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Foresters.
Licenses and training in California
Foresters pay in other states
Massachusetts · $89,650Alaska · $87,210South Carolina · $86,780Maryland · $86,100Connecticut · $84,820Iowa · $83,000Illinois · $82,160Oregon · $81,450Vermont · $80,750Texas · $80,370
Related occupations
Conservation ScientistsRange ManagersPark NaturalistsAnimal ScientistsFood Scientists and TechnologistsSoil and Plant ScientistsBiochemists and BiophysicistsMicrobiologists
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against foresters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against foresters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-1032.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.