National median annual wage for this occupation.
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary
Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
National Snapshot
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
Preparation
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
Training
None
Top Skills for Success
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Best Places for This Career
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Best Metro Areas
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
- Top-paying cities
- Fast-growing markets
- Local opportunity rankings
Career Analysis for Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Is Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary a Good Career?
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary (occupation code 25-1043), work in an academic setting focused on forestry and conservation science. Nationally, this field employs about 2,000 people, indicating a relatively small and specialized profession. The national median annual salary of $100,830 reflects the advanced expertise typically associated with these roles. Employment is projected to grow by 4.0%, suggesting a modest expansion over time. The role calls for a blend of scientific knowledge, critical and analytical thinking, and strong communication skills in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Successful professionals also draw on problem solving and decision making, creativity and innovation, and solid capabilities in computers and information technology, mathematics, and science. Leadership and adaptability further support effectiveness in academic environments. For students and professionals interested in forestry and conservation science at the college level, this career offers a combination of specialized subject matter and teaching-focused work with a clearly defined educational pathway.
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary
The national median annual salary for forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary, is $100,830. Within specific states, salaries vary considerably. Virginia shows a notably high median salary of $132,820, while Washington reports $104,490 and Wisconsin $98,410. Minnesota’s median salary is $82,670, and California’s is $61,730. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area, the median salary is $101,420, close to the national median for the occupation. These figures indicate that earnings can differ substantially by location, even within states with strong opportunity scores. Individuals considering this career may want to weigh higher salaries against other factors such as employment levels and overall opportunity scores in each region. Overall, the data suggest that this occupation can provide strong earning potential, particularly in certain states and metro areas.
Job Outlook for Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
National employment for forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary, stands at about 2,000. Projected employment growth is 4.0%, indicating expected expansion in this occupation over the projection period. At the same time, the data list annual openings as 0, which points to a very limited number of new or replacement positions captured in this particular measure. The combination of positive projected growth with low indicated annual openings suggests that while the field is expected to grow, movement into roles may be tightly constrained or highly competitive. For prospective candidates, this means that planning for this career should take into account both the relatively small employment base and the limited annual openings reported. Overall, the occupation shows modest projected growth, but individuals will likely need to be strategic about timing, location, and opportunities as positions become available.
Where Are the Best Opportunities for Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary?
Location plays a major role in opportunities for forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary. Among the top states by opportunity score, California ranks highest with an opportunity score of 67.38, employment of 110, growth of 4.0%, and a median salary of $61,730. Virginia combines a high median salary of $132,820 with an opportunity score of 54.96 and employment of 60. Washington offers a median salary of $104,490 and an opportunity score of 56.29. Minnesota stands out for employment of 180 and an opportunity score of 49.59, with a median salary of $82,670. Wisconsin has an opportunity score of 41.98 and a median salary of $98,410. At the metro level, Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI is notable, with a median salary of $101,420, employment of 60, 4.0% growth, and an opportunity score of 53.85. These figures show meaningful differences in both pay and job concentration across regions.
Education for Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
The typical education requirement for forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary, is a doctoral or professional degree. This reflects the advanced level of expertise and scholarship expected in postsecondary teaching roles within this field. In addition to formal education, a well-developed skill set supports success. Key skills include strong writing and reading abilities, as well as speaking and listening, which are essential for communicating complex concepts to students and colleagues. Science and mathematics form an important foundation, complemented by critical and analytical thinking and robust problem solving and decision making. Adaptability and leadership skills help in navigating academic environments and guiding students. Competence with computers and information technology supports modern teaching and research practices, while creativity and innovation help educators develop new approaches within forestry and conservation science. Together, the advanced degree and this broad skill profile prepare individuals for long-term careers in this specialized academic area.
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