Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Forest and Conservation Technicians salary by state
Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.
Top skills:Critical ThinkingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionTime ManagementSpeakingJudgment and Decision Making
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Forest and Conservation Technicians pay by experience level
Entry level$41,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$49,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$56,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$71,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$86,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
-3.2%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
3,900
projected openings per year
Declining
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Forest and Conservation Technicians salary by industry
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
27,750 workers
$61,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
20,220 workers
$64,000
State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
5,070 workers
$52,000
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
2,460 workers
$58,000
Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
900 workers
$50,500
Social Advocacy Organizations
870 workers
$50,000
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
810 workers
$56,500
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
480 workers
$58,000
Utilities
390 workers
$103,500
Educational Services
360 workers
$56,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Forest and Conservation Technicians pays 39% below the average across 66 roles in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family (family average $100,500).
Similar-paying roles in Life, Physical, and Social Science
Need Forest and Conservation Technicians pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.