Forest and Conservation Worker Salary in 2026
How Much Do Forest and Conservation Workers Make?
Forest and Conservation Workers earn a median annual salary of $43,680 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $33,050 at the 10th percentile to $54,190 at the 90th percentile — a range of $21,140. The highest-paying state is Illinois at $64,430.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,050 |
| 25th percentile | $36,400 |
| Median (50th) | $43,680 |
| 75th percentile | $45,200 |
| 90th percentile | $54,190 |
Forest and Conservation Worker Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Illinoistop | $64,430 |
| Ohio | $53,350 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,160 |
| Arkansas | $46,110 |
| Idaho | $46,010 |
| Colorado | $45,420 |
| California | $43,680 |
| Massachusetts | $43,630 |
| Washington | $43,480 |
| Missouri | $43,330 |
| Oregon | $42,810 |
| New Jersey | $41,600 |
| Louisiana | $40,830 |
| Tennessee | $40,320 |
| Indiana | $40,140 |
| Texas | $38,720 |
| North Carolina | $38,000 |
| Georgia | $37,930 |
| South Dakota | $37,690 |
| Florida | $36,970 |
| South Carolina | $36,810 |
| New Mexico | $36,460 |
| Wisconsin | $35,320 |
| Connecticut | $35,300 |
| Iowa | $30,290 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Forest and Conservation Workers
Forest and Conservation Worker Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$33,050 – $36,400 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$43,680 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$45,200 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $54,190+ |
How to Earn More as a Forest and Conservation Worker
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Forest and Conservation Workers in Pennsylvania earn $49,160 — $5,480 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($45,200) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Forest and Conservation Worker Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Forest and Conservation Workerthis career | $43,680 |
| Soil and Plant Scientist | $71,410 |
| Conservation Scientist | $67,950 |
| Range Manager | $67,950 |
| Forester | $70,660 |
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SOC: 45-4011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.