How much does a forestry and conservation science teacher make?
The median forestry and conservation science teacher in the United States earns $100,830 per year. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all forestry and conservation science teachers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 25-1043.
Forestry and conservation science teacher salary range
Pay for forestry and conservation science teachers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $58,670 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $154,630. The average (mean) wage of $103,780 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,670 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $81,380 | |
| Median (50th) | $100,830 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $125,080 | |
| 90th percentile | $154,630 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1043), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Forestry and conservation science teacher salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Forestry and conservation science teachers earn the most in Michigan at $133,540 a year, and the least in Arizona at $71,670. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $133,540 | 60 |
| Virginia | $127,460 | 70 |
| Tennessee | $103,650 | 30 |
| Maine | $102,330 | 40 |
| Indiana | $102,010 | 40 |
| South Carolina | $100,830 | 40 |
| West Virginia | $100,830 | 50 |
| Texas | $100,390 | 30 |
| Montana | $100,320 | 70 |
| Oregon | $98,880 | 120 |
| Georgia | $97,660 | 40 |
| Minnesota | $97,620 | 40 |
| Washington | $94,510 | 40 |
| Colorado | $88,330 | 100 |
| Wisconsin | $84,460 | 90 |
| Alabama | $77,360 | 70 |
| Arizona | $71,670 | 30 |
State median wages for forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1043), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for forestry and conservation science teachers
The BLS projects employment of forestry and conservation science teachers to grow 2.8% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 1,800 jobs in 2025 moving toward 1,900 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 100 openings a year for forestry and conservation science teachers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a forestry and conservation science teacher
The typical entry-level education for forestry and conservation science teachers is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a forestry and conservation science teacher earns
District budget, level taught, degree, and region drive pay, along with years of service on a step-and-lane salary schedule. High cost metros and senior educators land near the top.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Michigan, $133,540) and the lowest (Arizona, $71,670) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 1,310 people work as forestry and conservation science teachers in the United States. At $100,830 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Forestry and conservation science teacher salary FAQ
How much does a forestry and conservation science teacher make an hour?
Forestry and conservation science teachers are generally salaried rather than paid by the hour, so the BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job. The median annual salary is $100,830.
What is the highest forestry and conservation science teacher salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of forestry and conservation science teachers earn more than $154,630 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a forestry and conservation science teacher make a year?
The median annual salary for a forestry and conservation science teacher is $100,830. The average (mean) wage of $103,780 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a forestry and conservation science teacher a well paid job?
At $100,830 a year, a forestry and conservation science teacher earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 1,310 people work as forestry and conservation science teachers in the United States.
Which state pays forestry and conservation science teachers the most?
Michigan has the highest median salary for forestry and conservation science teachers at $133,540 a year. Virginia ($127,460) and Tennessee ($103,650) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a forestry and conservation science teacher a good career?
Employment of forestry and conservation science teachers is projected to grow 2.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 100 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a forestry and conservation science teacher?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for forestry and conservation science teachers as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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