Forest Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Forest Technology programs equip students with the practical and technical expertise needed to support sustainable forest management and the responsible production of forest resources. This hands-on curriculum blends fieldwork, scientific principles, and operational skills to prepare graduates for dynamic roles in forestry operations and natural resource stewardship.
- Woods and Field Skills: Develop proficiency in navigating forest environments, using topographic maps, and applying foundational techniques essential for on-site forestry work.
- Tree Identification: Gain the ability to recognize native and commercial tree species by visual characteristics, habitat, and ecological role.
- Timber Measurement: Learn standardized methods for assessing tree volume, diameter, and board-foot estimates to support inventory and harvest planning.
- Logging and Timber Harvesting: Understand safe and efficient techniques for felling, skidding, and transporting timber while minimizing environmental impact.
- Forest Propagation and Regeneration: Study methods for planting, seeding, and promoting natural forest renewal to ensure long-term ecosystem health and productivity.
- Forest Fire-Fighting: Acquire knowledge of fire behavior, suppression tactics, prescribed burning, and emergency response protocols in wildland fire management.
- Resource Management: Apply principles of sustainable yield, biodiversity conservation, and land-use planning to balance ecological and economic objectives.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Master the safe and effective use of forestry machinery, including chainsaws, harvesters, and skidders, along with preventive maintenance practices.
- Record-Keeping: Develop systems for documenting harvest data, inventory changes, compliance metrics, and operational logs to support accountability and reporting.
- Sales and Purchasing Operations: Learn the logistics of timber transactions, contract negotiation, pricing models, and supply chain coordination in forest product markets.
- Personnel Supervision: Build leadership competencies in team coordination, safety oversight, and workforce management within field operations.
Forest Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Forest Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Forest Technology degrees, including Forest and Conservation Technicians and Forest and Conservation Workers. 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 36,710 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest and Conservation Technicians 19-4071 | $54,310 | $36,190 - $80,790 | 31,080 | $26.11 |
| Forest and Conservation Workers 45-4011 | $43,680 | $33,050 - $54,190 | 5,630 | $21.00 |
Forest Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $35,300 in Connecticut to $67,450 in Maryland—a 91% difference. The highest-paying states include Maryland, Minnesota, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 36,710 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 Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 32 institutions offering Forest Technology 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 Technology is found at Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) (37 graduates), SOWELA Technical Community College (29 graduates), Jones County Junior College (26 graduates), Wayne Community College (WCC) (22 graduates), and Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) (21 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 327 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
37 | Waycross, Georgia | Public | coastalpines.edu |
| SOWELA Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
29 | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Public | sowela.edu |
| Jones County Junior College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
26 | Ellisville, Mississippi | Public | jcjc.edu |
| Wayne Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Goldsboro, North Carolina | Public | waynecc.edu |
| Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
21 | Alexandria, Louisiana | Public | cltcc.edu |
| Green River College (GRC) |
Associate's
|
20 | Auburn, Washington | Public | greenriver.edu |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) |
Associate's
|
19 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | hgtc.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Associate's
|
19 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) |
Associate's
|
18 | Syracuse, New York | Public | esf.edu |
| Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Cumberland, Maryland | Public | allegany.edu |
| Lurleen B Wallace Community College (LBWCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Andalusia, Alabama | Public | lbwcc.edu |
| Haywood Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Clyde, North Carolina | Public | haywood.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Associate's
|
9 | Mont Alto, Pennsylvania | Public | montalto.psu.edu |
| University of Maine (UMFK) |
Associate's
|
7 | Fort Kent, Maine | Public | umfk.maine.edu |
| Montgomery Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Troy, North Carolina | Public | montgomery.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Other Award
|
7 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| Gogebic Community College (GCC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Ironwood, Michigan | Public | gogebic.edu |
| Itawamba Community College (ICC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Fulton, Mississippi | Public | iccms.edu |
| Central Oregon Community College (COCC) |
Associate's
Residency
|
6 | Bend, Oregon | Public | cocc.edu |
| Three Rivers College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Poplar Bluff, Missouri | Public | trcc.edu |
| Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
| South Arkansas College (SouthArk) |
Other Award
|
4 | El Dorado, Arkansas | Public | southark.edu |
| Holmes Community College |
Associate's
|
4 | Goodman, Mississippi | Public | holmescc.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Associate's
|
4 | Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| Mt Hood Community College (MHCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Gresham, Oregon | Public | mhcc.edu |
| Glenville State University (GSU) |
Associate's
|
3 | Glenville, West Virginia | Public | glenville.edu |
| Athens Technical College (Athens Tech) |
Associate's
|
3 | Athens, Georgia | Public | athenstech.edu |
| Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | ogeecheetech.edu |
| Hocking College |
Other Award
|
2 | Nelsonville, Ohio | Public | hocking.edu |
| College of Lake County (CLC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Grayslake, Illinois | Public | clcillinois.edu |
| East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Scooba, Mississippi | Public | eastms.edu |
| Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science |
Associate's
|
1 | Paul Smiths, New York | Private | paulsmiths.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Forest Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Forest Technology degree?
Salaries for Forest Technology graduates vary by role and location. Forest and Conservation Technicians earn a median of $54,310 annually, while Forest and Conservation Workers earn around $43,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maryland average $67,450 compared to $35,300 in Connecticut. Approximately 36,710 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 Technology programs?
Currently 32 accredited institutions offer Forest Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) (37 graduates), SOWELA Technical Community College (29 graduates), and Jones County Junior College (26 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 Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 301 in 2010 to a peak of 368 in 2020, before declining slightly to 327 in 2023-24. This represents a 9% 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 Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Forest and Conservation Technicians, Forest and Conservation Workers, . Related occupations employ approximately 36,710 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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