Forest Engineering graduates earn $71,680 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Engineering Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Forest Engineering is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $71,680 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 3 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 57 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$51,279
Median Earnings · 4yr
$71,680
Colleges Offering
3
Graduates / Year
57
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,604
How Much Do Forest Engineering Graduates Earn?
Forest Engineering graduates earn $71,680 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $60,278 and $80,328. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $51,279 climbs to $71,680 by year four.
$51,279
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$71,680
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$72,107
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Forest Engineering graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$60,27825th pct.
$71,680Median
$80,32875th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $71,680 against an estimated $78,416 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 3 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 57 students who complete Forest Engineering programs each year, the majority (100%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
100%
Bachelor's100%
What Can You Do With a Forest Engineering Degree?
Forest Engineering connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Top Colleges for Forest Engineering
Only 1 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Forest Engineering graduate volume, not selectivity.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Forest Engineering program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Forest Engineering a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $71,680 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $51,279 at graduation to $71,680 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Engineering Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 18,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Limited program availabilityOnly 3 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.
Forest Engineering graduates earn a national median of $71,680 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $60,278 and $80,328. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Forest Engineering degree?
One year after graduation, Forest Engineering degree holders earn a median of $51,279. That climbs to $71,680 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Forest Engineering degree?
Forest Engineering degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Forest Engineering program take?
A Forest Engineering bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Forest Engineering?
3 colleges and universities in the United States offer Forest Engineering programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Forest Engineering degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $71,680 and an average net price of roughly $19,604/yr, a Forest Engineering degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Forest Engineering and Engineering?
Forest Engineering is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Forest Engineering-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Forest Engineering graduates?
Employers hiring Forest Engineering graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Forest Engineering graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Forest Engineering graduates?
The job outlook for Forest Engineering graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Engineering Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Engineering Programs
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How to Choose a Major Pillar
A decision framework for picking a college major using your interests, aptitudes, and federal earnings data to reach a defensible choice before applying.
The real cost of a second major, when it pays back and when it doesn't, and why a focused single major with a relevant minor often beats a double major.
Why the 10-year job-growth outlook often matters more than today's salary, what the BLS projections measure, and how to use them to weigh the future of a field, not just its present.
Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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