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Average Foresters Salary in Washington

Foresters in Washington earn an average annual salary of $81,680, a figure slightly below the national average of $82,260. This marginal difference is often influenced by the state's robust environmental policies and the high demand for skilled professionals in managing its vast forest resources. Washington's unique landscape and commitment to conservation contribute to the compensation structure for these vital roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $81,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,030.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 980 Foresters, Washington demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.41. This suggests a strong and established presence of forestry jobs within the state, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for individuals in this field. The density of roles per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance of forestry within Washington's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$81,680

The average Foresters in Washington earns-0.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$39.3

Weekly

$1,571

Monthly

$6,807

Foresters Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for Foresters in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$56,890$27.4
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$61,260$29.5
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$74,360$35.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$102,100$49.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$128,030$61.6

Detailed Foresters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$81,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$70,964

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal salary for Foresters in Washington stands at $81,680, the state's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 indicates that expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the $81,680 salary is somewhat diminished when compared to living in a more cost-neutral area, a crucial factor for potential relocators to consider.

Job Market Context

980

Total Jobs

0.276

Per 1K Jobs

4.41

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington has 4.4x the national concentration of Foresters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Washington's Location Quotient of 4.41 for Foresters is exceptionally high, signifying a market where this profession is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a robust and specialized job market, suggesting strong demand and a high level of industry activity within the state, making it a prime location for forestry professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Foresters

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Foresters Salary$89,950↑ 10%42 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Foresters Salary$73,770↓ 10%70 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Foresters make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Foresters in Washington is $81,680. This typically ranges from $56,890 for entry-level positions to $128,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 0.7% lower than the national median of $82,260.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Foresters?

Yes, with caveats.Washington offers a competitive salary for Foresters, slightly below the national average but with a very high concentration of jobs. However, the elevated cost of living means the real value of the salary should be carefully considered.

Is Washington a good place to live for Foresters?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,950) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.

How does Washington's Forester salary compare to the national average?

Foresters in Washington earn an average of $81,680 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $82,260.

What is the concentration of Foresters in Washington?

Washington has a high concentration of Foresters, with a Location Quotient of 4.41, indicating the profession is over 4 times more common there than in the average U.S. state.

How does the cost of living affect a Forester's salary in Washington?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. This means the $81,680 salary may have less purchasing power than it would in a lower cost-of-living area.

What does the local workforce size suggest about Forester jobs in Washington?

A local workforce of 980 Foresters suggests a substantial and established presence of this profession within the state, indicating a healthy job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.276 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Foresters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington