Forest Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Forest Engineering is a specialized field that integrates advanced scientific, mathematical, and forestry knowledge to develop innovative mechanical systems and operational processes for sustainable forest management and timber production. This program equips students with the technical expertise to design and optimize infrastructure, machinery, and logistical networks essential for modern forestry operations.
- Forest products processing: Focuses on transforming raw timber into usable materials through efficient and sustainable manufacturing techniques, emphasizing quality control and resource optimization.
- Forest management: Involves strategic planning and decision-making to maintain ecological balance while supporting long-term timber yield and biodiversity conservation.
- Forest harvesting: Covers the science and technology behind the efficient and responsible extraction of timber, including planning, execution, and environmental impact mitigation.
- Timber structure design: Addresses the engineering principles behind constructing durable and safe wooden structures, from bridges to storage facilities, using forest-derived materials.
- Production analysis: Applies data-driven methods to evaluate and improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of forest-based production systems.
- Road and bridge construction: Emphasizes the design and maintenance of access infrastructure in remote or rugged terrain to support logging operations and environmental protection.
- Vehicle adaptation and design: Explores the modification and development of off-road vehicles tailored for challenging forest environments, enhancing mobility and operational safety.
- Harvesting equipment design: Centers on the innovation and engineering of specialized machinery used in logging, including automation, ergonomics, and fuel efficiency considerations.
Forest Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Forest Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Forest Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 401,000 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Forest Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $103,617 in Arkansas to $153,590 in New Mexico—a 48% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 401,000 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Forest Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Forest Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Forest Engineering is found at Oregon State University (OSU) (42 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 42 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
42 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Forest Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Forest Engineering degree?
Salaries for Forest Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineers, All Other earn around $117,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $153,590 compared to $103,617 in Arkansas. Approximately 401,000 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Forest Engineering programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Forest Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Oregon State University (OSU) (42 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Forest Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 39 in 2010 to a peak of 53 in 2020, before declining slightly to 42 in 2023-24. This represents a 8% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Forest Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 401,000 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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