Forester Salary in Sioux City, IA: $53,584 (2026)

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

Sioux City offers a median forester salary of $53,584, which is $3,189 below the Iowa state average of $56,773. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $53,584 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Sioux City spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $85,680 at the 90th percentile — a $50,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level forester earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-7,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,600

$-10,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,800

$-15,200 vs national

Percentile	Sioux City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$35,280	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$42,840	$45,390	$51,000
Median (50th)	$53,584	$56,773	$63,790
75th Percentile	$68,880	$72,980	$82,000
90th Percentile	$85,680	$90,780	$102,000

Percentile

Sioux City

10th Percentile

$35,280

25th Percentile

$42,840

Median (50th)

$53,584

75th Percentile

$68,880

90th Percentile

$85,680

How to Become a Forester in Sioux City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Forester make in Sioux City, IA? ▼

The median forester salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $53,584 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $85,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Forester make per hour in Sioux City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,584, a forester in Sioux City earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for forester pay? ▼

Sioux City's median forester salary of $53,584 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $56,773. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼

Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $53,584 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most forester positions in Sioux 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.

Forester Salary in Sioux City, Iowa