Forester Salary in Kailua, HI: $108,443 (2026)

Forester Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median forester salary of $108,443, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $108,443. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $108,443 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Kailua spans from $71,400 at the 10th percentile to $173,400 at the 90th percentile — a $102,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,500. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level forester earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$74,800

+$30,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$110,500

+$45,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$161,500

+$66,500 vs national

Percentile	Kailua	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$71,400	$71,400	$42,000
25th Percentile	$86,700	$86,700	$51,000
Median (50th)	$108,443	$108,443	$63,790
75th Percentile	$139,400	$139,400	$82,000
90th Percentile	$173,400	$173,400	$102,000

Percentile

Kailua

10th Percentile

$71,400

25th Percentile

$86,700

Median (50th)

$108,443

75th Percentile

$139,400

90th Percentile

$173,400

How to Become a Forester in Kailua

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Kailua and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Kailua

How much does a Forester make in Kailua, HI? ▼

The median forester salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $108,443 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $71,400 (10th percentile) to $173,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Forester make per hour in Kailua? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $108,443, a forester in Kailua earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for forester pay? ▼

Kailua's median forester salary of $108,443 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $108,443. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼

Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $108,443 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Kailua? ▼

Most forester positions in Kailua require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Forest Management, GIS/GPS, Timber Cruising, Ecology. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Forester Salary in Kailua, Hawaii