Forest and Conservation Technicians
SOC code 19-4071 · O*NET-SOC 19-4071.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering
Forest and Conservation Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$54,560
a year
Hourly
$26.23
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$59,060
$28.39 per hour
Middle 50%
$47,360 – $68,600
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$40,330 – $83,630
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
30,410
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $40,330
- $19.39/hr
- 25th percentile
- $47,360
- $22.77/hr
- Median percentile
- $54,560
- $26.23/hr
- 75th percentile
- $68,600
- $32.98/hr
- 90th percentile
- $83,630
- $40.21/hr
What do forest and conservation technicians do?
Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
- Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
- Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
- Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
- Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
- Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
- Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads.
- Select and mark trees for thinning or logging, drawing detailed plans that include access roads.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)35%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree35%
- Bachelor's Degree14%
- Some College Courses10%
Common questions
How much does a forest and conservation technicians earn?
The national median is $54,560 a year. The full range runs from $40,330 at the 10th percentile to $83,630 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a forest and conservation technicians without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.4/5
- Geography3.4/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Instructing.