Agriculture & Environment Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Forester Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median forester salary in Iowa City, IA is $60,601 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$60,601
vs State Avg
+$3,828
vs National
$-3,189
Cost of Living
95%

Forester Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median forester salary of $60,601, which is $3,828 above the Iowa state average of $56,773. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for foresters in Iowa City spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $96,900 at the 90th percentile — a $57,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level forester earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $48,450
Median (50th) $60,601
75th Percentile $77,900
90th Percentile $96,900

Forester Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Forester in Iowa City

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open forester positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Forester make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median forester salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $60,601 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $96,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,601, a forester in Iowa City earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for forester pay? ▼
Iowa City's median forester salary of $60,601 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $56,773. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $60,601 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Iowa City? ▼
Most forester positions in Iowa City 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.