Forest and Conservation Technicians Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $40,390 -25.6% vs national
Median hourly $19.42
10th percentile $40,060
90th percentile $64,570
Employed locally 40
National median $54,310

Compare Forest and Conservation Technicians salary & buying power

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Forest and Conservation Technicians
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $40,060
    25th
    $40,390
    50th (median)
    $40,390
    75th
    $49,180
    90th
    $64,570

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Forest and Conservation Technicians salary vs area income 37% Median Forest and Conservation Technicians salary is 63% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Forest and Conservation Technicians

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $70,720
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $70,220
    Maryland $67,450
    Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area $67,140
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $66,020
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $66,020

    Nearby metros — Forest and Conservation Technicians salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $70,220
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $66,020
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $66,020
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $65,230
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $65,060
    Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $64,580

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$79,670
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$144,660
    Urban and Regional Planners$109,000
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$86,680
    Biological Technicians$59,200
    Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$129,880

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Forest and Conservation Technicians make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Santa Cruz, CA is $19.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $32.82 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Forest and Conservation Technicians salaries?

    The median Forest and Conservation Technicians salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 25.6% below the national median of $54,310. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Forest and Conservation Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $40,060 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $40,390.