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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forest Technician in California is $40,137 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Forest Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Forest Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $43,876 | $3,656 | $844 | $21 |
| Average | $40,137 | $3,345 | $772 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,344 | $3,029 | $699 | $17 |
Discount Tire - Lake Forest, CA
E-Solutions - Foothill Ranch, CA
BrightSpring Health Services - Anaheim, CA
Rivian - Foothill Ranch, CA
A Forest Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Forest Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Forest Te... Level Forest Technician | $40,927 |
| Groundske... Level Forest Technician | $46,220 |
| Building ... Level Forest Technician | $66,284 |
| Building ... Level Forest Technician | $85,132 |
| Building ... Level Forest Technician | $94,208 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Forest Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Forest Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Forest Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Forest Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $52,177 | $25.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Forest Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $43,876 | $3,656 | $844 | $21 |
| Average | $40,137 | $3,345 | $772 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,344 | $3,029 | $699 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forest Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
City of Portland
PORTLAND, OR
City of Portland | PORTLAND, OR
Job Appointment: Full-Time Work Schedule: Mon-Fri. 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Work Location: In person at the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5^th Ave. Portland OR, 9720... more
7 Days Ago
Satellite Shelters
SAPULPA, OK
Satellite Shelters | SAPULPA, OK
Satellite Shelters is seeking a Technician to support our Construction modular building operations within the Technical & Maintenance team. In this hands-o... more
14 Days Ago
Satellite Shelters
LEONARD, OK
Satellite Shelters | LEONARD, OK
Satellite Shelters is seeking a Technician to support our Construction modular building operations within the Technical & Maintenance team. In this hands-o... more
14 Days Ago
Satellite Shelters
KIEFER, OK
Satellite Shelters | KIEFER, OK
Satellite Shelters is seeking a Technician to support our Construction modular building operations within the Technical & Maintenance team. In this hands-o... more
14 Days Ago
Satellite Shelters
OWASSO, OK
Satellite Shelters | OWASSO, OK
Satellite Shelters is seeking a Technician to support our Construction modular building operations within the Technical & Maintenance team. In this hands-o... more
14 Days Ago
Satellite Shelters
OAKHURST, OK
Satellite Shelters | OAKHURST, OK
Satellite Shelters is seeking a Technician to support our Construction modular building operations within the Technical & Maintenance team. In this hands-o... more
14 Days Ago
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