United States Forest Service Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at United States Forest Service in the United States is $131,713. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $63. Salaries at United States Forest Service typically range from $114,691 to $151,387 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is United States Forest Service’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does United States Forest Service's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Uspb $100,153
-24.0%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Uspb.
Cambium Carbon $96,388
-26.8%
Cambium Carbon focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
National Alliance of Forest Owners $97,189
-26.2%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
US Forest Service Research and Development $100,765
-23.5%
US Forest Service Research and Development likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at United States Forest Service

Considering a career at United States Forest Service? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Competitive pay and growth opportunities. Teams are cooperative, and management is fair. A top choice for career advancement. The office culture is friendly, and projects are meaningful.
It’s a stable workplace with potential for growth. Projects are well-managed, and teamwork is efficient. Professional development is a focus, with access to courses and conferences.
The leadership team is exceptional—visionary and employee-focused. Enjoy the challenging projects and the chance to learn new skills regularly. There’s room for growth, though it requires initiative. For someone seeking a predictable role with decent work-life balance, this is a reasonable place to be. Professional development is a priority, with many training resources available. The work is mean...
The company also hosts regular team-building events, strengthening colleague relationships. a solid choice for steady employment. Compensation is fair, and the work environment is inclusive.

United States Forest Service Overview

Website
www.fs.usda.gov
Founded In
1905
Employees
15,000 - 50,000 employees
Industry
All Industries
Headquarter Address
1400 Independence Ave SW Washington District of Columbia DC 20250
Revenue
$10B - $50B
Phone Number
+1 2095323671
Social Media
About United States Forest Service
Based in Washington, D.C., the United States Forest Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. The company provides access to resources to promote economic, ecological, and social vitality in addition to science, technology and land management.

What Benefits Does United States Forest Service Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. United States Forest Service offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Washington?

Understanding the cost of living near Washington is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at United States Forest Service.
Washington D.C.'s Cost of Living Index is approximately 148.7 (48.7% more expensive than US average). Nation's capital, very high housing costs, extensive public transit (WMATA), high overall expenses. When planning your budget based on a salary from United States Forest Service, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,300+ A significant portion of United States Forest Service salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70-200+ (WMATA SmarTrip varies by use) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $900+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,770 - $5,880+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of United States Forest Service

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at United States Forest Service?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at United States Forest Service is approximately from $114,691 to $151,387. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does United States Forest Service pay compared to Uspb?

The average annual salary at United States Forest Service is $131,713, or an hourly wage of $63, in comparison to Uspb which pays $100,153 per year or $48 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at United States Forest Service?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at United States Forest Service due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at United States Forest Service?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at United States Forest Service, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from United States Forest Service in Washington is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from United States Forest Service in Washington is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at United States Forest Service and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Washington" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are the salaries listed for United States Forest Service on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for United States Forest Service, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.