Forest and Conservation Workers
Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $49,420 | $23.76 | ||
| California | 2,720 | $31,520 | $15.15 | |
| Colorado | $43,840 | $21.08 | ||
| Delaware | 240 | $35,080 | $16.87 | |
| Florida | 130 | $40,110 | $19.28 | |
| Georgia | 120 | $32,010 | $15.39 | |
| Hawaii | 170 | $40,000 | $19.23 | |
| Iowa | 70 | $25,540 | $12.28 | |
| Kentucky | $27,560 | $13.25 | ||
| Maryland | $46,760 | $22.48 | ||
| Massachusetts | 130 | $44,320 | $21.31 | |
| Michigan | 60 | $49,010 | $23.56 | |
| Montana | 50 | $34,250 | $16.47 | |
| Nevada | 30 | $44,110 | $21.21 | |
| New Jersey | 100 | $38,650 | $18.58 | |
| New Mexico | 60 | $23,400 | $11.25 | |
| New York | 40 | $42,790 | $20.57 | |
| North Dakota | $29,320 | $14.09 | ||
| Oregon | 90 | $40,670 | $19.55 | |
| Pennsylvania | 180 | $48,740 | $23.43 | |
| South Dakota | 450 | $30,570 | $14.70 | |
| Tennessee | 270 | $27,160 | $13.06 | |
| Utah | 160 | $35,860 | $17.24 | |
| Washington | 90 | $38,810 | $18.66 | |
| Wisconsin | 190 | $25,950 | $12.48 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals to operate and manage outdoor plant farms, tree and shrub nurseries, and related facilities that develop domesticated plant products for propagation, harvesting, and transplantation. Includes instruction in applicable principles of plant science, farm and business management, nursery operations, equipment operation and maintenance, safety procedures, and personnel supervision.
A program that generally prepares individuals to manage and develop forest areas for economic, recreational, and ecological purposes. Includes instruction in forest-related sciences, mapping, statistics, harvesting and production technology, natural resources management and economics, wildlife sciences, administration, and public relations.
A program that prepares individuals to assist foresters in the management and production of forest resources. Includes instruction in woods and field skills, tree identification, timber measurement, logging and timber harvesting, forest propagation and regeneration, forest fire-fighting, resource management, equipment operation and maintenance, record-keeping, sales and purchasing operations, and personnel supervision.
Any program in forestry not listed above.
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$33,690 per yearNational average salaryDecliningJob growth rate
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High school diploma or equivalentTypical education requirement
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Moderate-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as forest and conservation workers.
- Less than high school 26%
- High school graduate 28%
- College dropout 16%
- Associate’s degree 8%
- Bachelor’s degree 19%
- Master’s degree 3%
- Doctorate degree 1%
Similar Careers
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Forest and Conservation Technicians$43,420 per year Average salaryDecliningJob growth rate
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Foresters$67,710 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Conservation Scientists$68,230 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$31,440 per year Average salarySlowJob growth rate