Agriculture & Environment Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Forester Salary in Kansas

The median forester salary in Kansas is $55,497 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$55,497
vs National
$-8,293
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Forester Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,497 per year, foresters in Kansas earn $8,293 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $55,497 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $36,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,740 — a $52,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $61,238.

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for foresters across the country.

Forester Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level forester earns around $38,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,650 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,280
$-5,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,550
$-8,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $36,540
25th Percentile $44,370
Median (50th) $55,497
75th Percentile $71,340
90th Percentile $88,740

Forester Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for foresters in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Kansas

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Kansas

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Kansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Kansas

How much does a Forester make in Kansas? ▼
The median forester salary in Kansas is $55,497 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,540 (10th percentile) to $88,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,497, a forester in Kansas earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for foresters? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $38,280, while senior professionals earn $82,650.
How does Kansas compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Kansas's median of $55,497 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($56,135) and Alabama ($55,497).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level forester in Kansas earns approximately $38,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,550. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,650.
What city in Kansas pays foresters the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for foresters, with a median salary of $61,238. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.