Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Conservation scientists and foresters typically need a bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field. PayThe median annual wage for conservation scientists was $73,010 in May 2025.The median annual wage for foresters was $76,400 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for conservation scientists and foresters. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of conservation scientists and foresters with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about conservation scientists and foresters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for conservation scientists was $73,010 in May 2025.The median annual wage for foresters was $76,400 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for conservation scientists and foresters. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of conservation scientists and foresters with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about conservation scientists and foresters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for conservation scientists and foresters. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of conservation scientists and foresters with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about conservation scientists and foresters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
Work Environment
Conservation scientists and foresters work for federal, state, and local governments; on privately owned lands; or in social advocacy organizations. Most conservation scientists and foresters work full time, and schedules may vary.
How to Become a Conservation Scientist or Forester
Conservation scientists and foresters typically need a bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for conservation scientists was $73,010 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for foresters was $76,400 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 3,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for conservation scientists and foresters.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of conservation scientists and foresters with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about conservation scientists and foresters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Conservation scientists and foresters work for federal, state, and local governments; on privately owned lands; or in social advocacy organizations. Most conservation scientists and foresters work full time, and schedules may vary.
How to Become a Conservation Scientist or Forester
Conservation scientists and foresters typically need a bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for conservation scientists was $73,010 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for foresters was $76,400 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 3,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for conservation scientists and foresters.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of conservation scientists and foresters with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about conservation scientists and foresters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for conservation scientists and foresters.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of conservation scientists and foresters with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about conservation scientists and foresters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about conservation scientists and foresters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.