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Verified by MN Board of Science

Forester Licensing in Minnesota

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Forester in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Select the Tree Care Registry license type and follow the instructions.

  3. 3

    Print, complete, and mail the Tree Care Registry Application (PDF) or request an application at 651-201-6611 or mda.tcr@state.mn.us.

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certification Law, Minn

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Minnesota Department of Agriculture • Dairy and Food Inspection Division

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $72,280 median (2% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #16 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for Forester licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Print, complete, and mail the Tree Care Registry Application (PDF) or request an application at 651-201-6611 or mda.tcr@state.mn.us.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Minnesota Department of Agriculture~Dairy and Food Inspection Division and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $72,280, Foresters in Minnesota earn 2% above the national median of $70,660. Minnesota ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$72,280

Hourly estimate

$34.75
2% above national median

Difference: +$1,620

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,740
  • P2525th percentile$64,540
  • P50Median$72,280
  • P7575th percentile$80,760
  • P9090th percentile$95,310

State vs National Median

State: $72,280
National: $70,660

Total employment: 200 | Annual openings: N/A

Forester Salary Ranking

#16 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
Minnesota$72,280Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$65,960Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$80,590Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$63,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$70,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Minnesota Department of Agriculture • Dairy and Food Inspection Division

90 West Plato Boulevard, St. Paul, MN, 55107

Phone: 6512972200

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Biological Technicians$45,430Varies by state boardVaries by board
Chemical Technicians$54,340Varies by state boardVaries by board
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$58,200Varies by state boardVaries by board
Environmental Scientist$87,210Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 is the typical Forester salary in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for Foresters in Minnesota is $72,280. Salaries range from $47,740 (10th percentile) to $95,310 (90th percentile).

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

Foresters in Minnesota earn 2% above the national median of $70,660, with a state median of $72,280.

How many Foresters work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 200 Foresters according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Foresters in Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Minnesota Department of Agriculture / Dairy and Food Inspection Division. Review agency details at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/.

How often do you renew a Forester license in Minnesota?

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