Agriculture & Environment Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Forester Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median forester salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$56,135
vs State Avg
$-638
vs National
$-7,655
Cost of Living
88%

Forester Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median forester salary of $56,135, which is $638 below the Iowa state average of $56,773. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Cedar Rapids spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level forester earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $56,135
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $89,760

Forester Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$60,601
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$58,687
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$54,859
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$53,584
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Forester in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa 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 Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open forester positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Forester make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median forester salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,135, a forester in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for forester pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median forester salary of $56,135 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $56,773. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $56,135 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most forester positions in Cedar Rapids 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.