Forest and Conservation Workers Salary in Salinas, CA
Forest and Conservation Workers in Salinas, CA make a median of $43,680 a year, or about $21 an hour. The range runs from $44K at the entry level to $71K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.04), so that salary is closer to $40,059 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,684/month — about 89% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $44K get you in Salinas?
About forest and conservation workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Salinas, CA
Entry-level forest and conservation workers (10th percentile) start around $44K. Mid-career wages sit at $44K.Top earners bring in $71K or more - a $27K spread from bottom to top.
Forest and Conservation Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $64K | +48% | 60 |
| Ohio | $53K | +22% | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | $49K | +13% | 220 |
| Arkansas | $46K | +6% | N/A |
| Idaho | $46K | +5% | 60 |
| California | $44K | +0% | 1,840 |
| Massachusetts | $44K | -0% | N/A |
| Washington | $43K | -0% | 200 |
| Missouri | $43K | -1% | N/A |
| Oregon | $43K | -2% | 140 |
| New Jersey | $42K | -5% | 60 |
| Louisiana | $41K | -7% | 210 |
| Tennessee | $40K | -8% | 220 |
| Indiana | $40K | -8% | 40 |
| Texas | $39K | -11% | 50 |
Track forest and conservation workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Salinas numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do forest and conservation workers make in Salinas, CA?
The median is $43,680 a year - that works out to about $21 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $43,680, and experienced forest and conservation workers can clear $71,050. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $44K enough to live in Salinas?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,017/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,684/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 89% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a forest and conservation workers salary go in Salinas?
Salinas has a Regional Price Parity of 109.04 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median forest and conservation workers salary is worth about $40,059 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do forest and conservation workers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.