How long does it take to become a forester?

Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do foresters make?

The US median is $76,400 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a forester?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a forester?

200 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a forester

Science · SOC 19-1032

$76,400US median pay, 2025

+2.2%Projected growth, 2025–35

900Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Work as a forester

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Natural Resources/Conservation, General	CIP 03.0101	121
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General	CIP 03.0201	62
Forestry, General	CIP 03.0501	43
Forest Sciences and Biology	CIP 03.0502	20
Forest Management/Forest Resources Management	CIP 03.0506	19
Urban Forestry	CIP 03.0508	14
Forestry, Other	CIP 03.0599	9
Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Technology/Technician	CIP 03.0509	6
Forest Resources Production and Management	CIP 03.0510	6

See the 200 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a forester?: Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do foresters make?: The US median is $76,400 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a forester?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a forester?: 200 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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