Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Foresters make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Foresters in California earn a median salary of $107,120 per year ($8,926/month). This is 46.1% above the national average of $73,340. California ranks #1 out of 44 states for Foresters pay. Approximately 820 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 8.3% compared to 2024.
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.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Salaries for Foresters in California range from $71,110 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $156,750 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $91,170 and $130,430.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $71,110 | $34.19 | $5,925 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,170 | $43.83 | $7,597 |
| Median (50th) | $107,120 | $51.50 | $8,926 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,430 | $62.71 | $10,869 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $156,750 | $75.36 | $13,062 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $110,770 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
What does this salary really buy? See Foresters salary in California adjusted for cost of living →
How much do you actually take home? See Foresters take-home pay in California after taxes →
Compare Foresters pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
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Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS