US Forest Service Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at US Forest Service in the United States is $80,998. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $39. Salaries at US Forest Service typically range from $71,356 to $91,357 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does US Forest Service Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at US Forest Service. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Support Services Specialist, with an annual salary of $54,560. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is US Forest Service’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does US 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
Amber Energy Inc $98,761
+21.9%
Data suggests Amber Energy Inc's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Sightline U3O8 $114,741
+41.7%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Sightline U3O8 targets.
Galvanic Energy LLC $85,428
+5.5%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Galvanic Energy LLC's primary metro hubs.
Berkeley Geochronology Center $112,610
+39.0%
Supported by Berkeley Geochronology Center's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Energy & Utilities Industry $130,148
+60.7%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
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 US Forest Service

Considering a career at US 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.
The teamwork here is unlike anything I've experienced before. Flexible work arrangements and great co-workers make this company a place where people can truly build long-term careers in the energy sector. During a storm or an unexpected outage, everyone pulls together with a shared sense of purpose. In a critical industry, they are actively investing in smart grid technologies, renewable energy pr...
It's fulfilling to work for an organization that powers communities while investing in its people. This organization excels in promoting a safe, sustainable, and innovative workplace culture. The company offers steady employment with standard benefits, but communication and collaboration between departments can be uneven. There’s not much to complain about, and it is much to celebrate either.
My job here offers structure and growth. The workplace culture is professional but occasionally bureaucratic, limiting rapid innovation and flexibility. Safety is never compromised, and environmental goals are integrated into daily operations. I clock in, do the job, and clock out. Management is understanding and supportive, creating a positive work environment where employees feel genuinely value...

US Forest Service Overview

Website
www.environmentalnightmares.com
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Headquarter Address
PO Box 2003 Rapid City South Dakota SD 57709
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About US Forest Service
The photo above was never made available during the mishandled and inappropriate Sioux Ranger District Oil and Gas Leasing Environmental Impact Statement(Sioux EIS 2004). There were other major documents missing from the Sioux EIS, mostly on the chemical characteristics and water solubility of uraniferous lignite ash that would have substantially altered the direction that the Sioux EIS took in th

What Benefits Does US Forest Service Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. US 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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Rapid City?

Understanding the cost of living near Rapid City is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at US Forest Service.
Rapid City's Cost of Living Index is approximately 94.7 (5.3% less expensive than US average; 1.6% more than SD average). Western SD city (Black Hills, Ellsworth AFB), housing near US avg. RapidRide. When planning your budget based on a salary from US Forest Service, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $950 - $1,500+ A significant portion of US Forest Service salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $110 - $200 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $25 (RapidRide monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $590 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $360 - $680+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,225 - $3,675+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of US Forest Service

1. How much does an US Forest Service employee make?

US Forest Service pays its employees an average of $80,998 per year. The average salary at US Forest Service range from $71,356 to $91,357 per year. 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. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than US Forest Service?

The salary at US Forest Service is lesser than the similar company. The average annual salary at US Forest Service is $80,998, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to Amber Energy Inc which pays $98,761 per year or $47 per hour.

3. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at US Forest Service?

In many roles at US Forest Service, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

4. How does the cost of living near Rapid City affect the perceived value of a US Forest Service salary?

Rapid City's Cost of Living Index is approximately 94.7 (5.3% less expensive than US average; 1.6% more than SD average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from US Forest Service based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Rapid City" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

5. What kind of benefits does US Forest Service typically offer employees?

US Forest Service generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at US Forest Service" section on this page.