U.S. Forest Service Salary

How Much Does U.S. Forest Service Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at U.S. Forest Service in the United States is $38. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $79,787. Salaries at U.S. Forest Service typically range from $34 to $43 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. U.S. Forest Service’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does U.S. Forest Service Pay for Different Roles?

The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.

Full Time IT Project Coordinator (2220m)

$29 / hour

Salary Range: $25 - $33

Special Events

FT Family Law Paralegal Buckhead (2218)

$45 / hour

Salary Range: $41 - $50

Legal

FT Project Coordinator (2220)

$54 / hour

Salary Range: $46 - $61

Human Resources

FT - Family Law Paralegal Marietta (2219)

$43 / hour

Salary Range: $39 - $48

Legal

FT Administrative Assistant/Research Assistant - Perimeter Area (2202)

$32 / hour

Salary Range: $29 - $36

Administrative Assistant IV

FT Office Manager (2214)

$46 / hour

Salary Range: $39 - $51

Management

DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

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About U.S. Forest Service: Company Profile

Website
www.fs.fed.us
Founded In
1986
Employees
15,000 - 50,000 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Location
BLACKSBURG
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About U.S. FOREST SERVICE
The United States Forest Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres (780,000 km2). Major divisions of the agency include the National Forest System, State and Private Forestry, and the Research and Development branch. The mission of the Forest Service is "To sus

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into U.S. Forest Service's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
Work is engaging, and the collaborative culture makes even complex challenges enjoyable. The leadership team encourages learning and provides opportunities to take on new challenges. Regular updates and open forums ensure we are all informed and aligned, fostering a strong sense of trust and shared purpose. It’s a great fit for those who enjoy structured but empowering environments.
This focus not only enhances my skills but also demonstrates a clear commitment to employee growth and career longevity within the firm. The institutional knowledge in this firm is invaluable. They prioritize our satisfaction, always willing to go the extra mile. This positive first impression has been validated every day since I started working here. Employees feel appreciated and valued. Strong ...
This company does a good job maintaining order and consistency. Collaboration across departments happens, though inconsistently. This creates a really enjoyable and productive work environment for a company of our moderate size. I appreciate how leadership encourages autonomy while offering guidance when needed.

Is U.S. Forest Service’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does U.S. Forest Service’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
180k
150k
120k
90k
60k
30k
0
Average Salary ($/year)
U.S. Forest Service
Business Services
CORPS OF ENGINEERS CIVIL
HERTZ
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at U.S. Forest Service is below the average for the U.S. Business Services industry by approximately 34%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared U.S. Forest Service average annual salary with several similar companies. U.S. Forest Service average salary of $79,787 is lower than CORPS OF ENGINEERS CIVIL, which has an average salary of $84,458. It is lower than HERTZ, with their average salary at $82,043. This places U.S. Forest Service in a developing position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Roanoke?

Understanding the cost of living near Roanoke is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at U.S. Forest Service.
Roanoke's Cost of Living Index is approximately 83.2 (16.8% less expensive than US average; 20.1% less than VA average). Blue Ridge Mountains city, very affordable. Valley Metro. When planning your budget based on a salary from U.S. Forest Service, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $800 - $1,200+ A significant portion of U.S. Forest Service salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 (Valley Metro monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $1,990 - $3,220+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About U.S. Forest Service

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at U.S. Forest Service?
The typical salary range for most roles at U.S. Forest Service is approximately from $34 to $43 per hour. 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.
FAQ 2: How much does U.S. Forest Service pay compared to CORPS OF ENGINEERS CIVIL?
The average annual salary at U.S. Forest Service is $79,787, or an hourly wage of $38, in comparison to CORPS OF ENGINEERS CIVIL which pays $84,458 per year or $41 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at U.S. Forest Service?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at U.S. 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.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from U.S. Forest Service in Roanoke is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from U.S. Forest Service in Roanoke is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at U.S. Forest Service and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Roanoke" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: Why might an individual's actual salary at U.S. Forest Service differ from the ranges shown here?
An individual's actual salary at U.S. Forest Service can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.