Foresters
SOC Code: 19-1032Also known as:
Area Forester, Consulting Utility Forester, Debris Monitor, District Forester, Environmental Protection Forester
Median Annual Salary
$70,660
+1.2% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
14K
Current Jobs
What Foresters Do
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.
💰 Salary
$70,660
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
13,800
Projected Employment (2034)
14,000
Related Careers
Conservation scientists
$67,950 •
+3.4% growth
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Forest and conservation technicians
$54,310 •
-3.2% growth
Forest and conservation workers
$43,680 •
-4.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Monitor forest-cleared lands to ensure that they are reclaimed to their most suitable end use.
- Develop techniques for measuring and identifying trees.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Foresters
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a foresters:
Natural Resources/Conservation, General
2,739 degrees awarded •
122 colleges offer this program
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General
1,626 degrees awarded •
65 colleges offer this program
Forestry, General
1,181 degrees awarded •
44 colleges offer this program
Forest Sciences and Biology
393 degrees awarded •
22 colleges offer this program
Forest Management/Forest Resources Management
252 degrees awarded •
15 colleges offer this program
Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Technology/Technician
95 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Urban Forestry
89 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Forestry, Other
75 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Forest Resources Production and Management
48 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Foresters
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become foresters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do foresters make?
The median annual salary for foresters is $70,660.
What education do foresters need?
Most foresters positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Natural Resources/Conservation, General, Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General, Forestry, General.
Is becoming foresters a good career choice?
Foresters is projected to see +1.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for foresters?
Top colleges for aspiring foresters include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Florida, Duke University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Georgia.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to foresters?
Foresters may also be known as: Area Forester, Consulting Utility Forester, Debris Monitor, District Forester, Environmental Protection Forester, Extension Forester, Fire Prevention Forester, Forest Ecologist, Forest Examiner, Forest Manager, Forest Pathologist, Forest Practices Field Coordinator, Forest Supervisor, Forester, Forestry Consultant, Forestry Scientist, Forestry Specialist, Forestry Supervisor, Land Management Forester, Natural Resources Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.