Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Science
Forester Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for forester in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Forester in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The Interim Site Operator Certification is established to provide temporary personnel while waiting for formalized training to take place.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certification is established to provide temporary personnel while waiting for formalized training to take place
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Dept of Natural Resources • Drinking Water & Groundwater Bureau
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,960 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Forester licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 5. Submit the application to WI Dept of Natural Resources~Drinking Water & Groundwater Bureau and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $65,960, Foresters in Wisconsin earn 7% below the national median of $70,660. Wisconsin ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$65,960Hourly estimate
$31.717% below national median
Difference: -$4,700
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationForester Salary Ranking
#36 of 50 statesfor Forester median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $98,870 |
| #2 | Alaska | $85,550 |
| #3 | Iowa | $80,590 |
| #4 | Maryland | $79,890 |
| #5 | Louisiana | $79,580 |
Nearby States Comparison
Forester licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $65,960 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $72,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $80,590 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $75,160 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $78,040 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Michigan | 50 | Low | State-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
WI Dept of Natural Resources • Drinking Water & Groundwater Bureau
101 S. Webster, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI, 53707-7921
Phone: 6082662621
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $49,570 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $56,960 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $49,050 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $68,980 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Forester in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Foresters.
What education do you need to become a Forester in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Forester licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Forester salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Foresters in Wisconsin is $65,960. Salaries range from $54,020 (10th percentile) to $80,330 (90th percentile).
How does the Forester salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Foresters in Wisconsin earn 7% below the national median of $70,660, with a state median of $65,960.
How many Foresters work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 570 Foresters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Forester license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Dept of Natural Resources / Drinking Water & Groundwater Bureau. Review agency details at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wells/licenses.html.
How often do you renew a Forester license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.