CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by IN Board of Science

Forester Licensing in Indiana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for forester in Indiana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Forester in Indiana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    (a) A license is required under this section for an individual who performs taxidermy services on a wild animal for another person.

  7. 7

    (b) An application for a taxidermist license shall be completed on a departmental form.

  8. 8

    (c) A license holder must maintain accurate records, on a calendar year basis, showing the names and addresses of persons from or to whom wild animals were received or delivered.

  9. 9

    The records shall: (1) include the: (A) species and numbers of wild animals

    • and (B) dates of receipt and delivery
    • and (2) be retained at the premises of the license holder for at least two (2) years after the end of the license year.
  10. 10

    A permit for a special taxidermy mount of a protected species may be granted under this subsection only to an agency or institution that engages in wildlife education or research as a primary function.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Indiana Department of Natural Resources • Division of Fish and Wildlife

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $53,650 median (24% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #48 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Indiana eligibility requirements for Forester licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; (b) An application for a taxidermist license shall be completed on a departmental form.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Indiana Department of Natural Resources~Division of Fish and Wildlife and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Indiana

With a median salary of $53,650, Foresters in Indiana earn 24% below the national median of $70,660. Indiana ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$53,650

Hourly estimate

$25.79
24% below national median

Difference: -$17,010

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,080
  • P2525th percentile$48,730
  • P50Median$53,650
  • P7575th percentile$65,370
  • P9090th percentile$78,110

State vs National Median

State: $53,650
National: $70,660

Total employment: 140 | Annual openings: N/A

Forester Salary Ranking

#48 of 50 statesfor Forester median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$98,870
#2Alaska$85,550
#3Iowa$80,590
#4Maryland$79,890
#5Louisiana$79,580

Nearby States Comparison

Forester licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Indiana$53,650No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$78,040Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$69,160Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Kentucky$54,580Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Illinois$75,160Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Indiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Indiana Department of Natural Resources • Division of Fish and Wildlife

402 West Washington Street, Room W273, Indianapolis, IN, 46204

Phone: 3172324200

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Indiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Biological Technicians$50,070Specific course requiredVaries by board
Chemical Technicians$51,980Specific course requiredVaries by board
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$47,680Specific course requiredVaries by board
Environmental Scientist$77,380Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Forester in Indiana?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Foresters in Indiana?

Indiana lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Foresters.

What education do you need to become a Forester in Indiana?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Forester licensure in Indiana.

What is the typical Forester salary in Indiana?

The median annual salary for Foresters in Indiana is $53,650. Salaries range from $46,080 (10th percentile) to $78,110 (90th percentile).

How does the Forester salary in Indiana compare to the national average?

Foresters in Indiana earn 24% below the national median of $70,660, with a state median of $53,650.

How many Foresters work in Indiana?

Indiana employs approximately 140 Foresters according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Forester license to Indiana from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Foresters in Indiana?

The licensing agency is Indiana Department of Natural Resources / Division of Fish and Wildlife. Review agency details at http://www.in.gov/dnr/.

How often do you renew a Forester license in Indiana?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.