The median annual wage of conservation scientists was $59,310 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,050, and the top 10 percent earned more than $89,440.
The median annual wage of foresters was $54,540 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,670, and the top 10 percent earned more than $75,540.
Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest number of conservation scientists in May 2010 were as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | $71,100 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 63,310 |
| Social advocacy organizations | 51,710 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 51,270 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 49,860 |
Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest number of foresters in May 2010 were as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | $61,680 |
| Logging | 59,830 |
| Sawmills and wood preservation | 56,880 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 53,150 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 49,710 |
Most conservation scientists and foresters work full time and have a routine work schedule. Responding to emergencies or fires may require conservation scientists and foresters to work longer hours.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition