Agriculture & Environment Wichita, KS Pop. 397,532

Forester Salary in Wichita, Kansas

The median forester salary in Wichita, KS is $54,222 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.3% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$54,222
vs State Avg
$-1,275
vs National
$-9,568
Cost of Living
85%

Forester Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)

Wichita offers a median forester salary of $54,222, which is $1,275 below the Kansas state average of $55,497. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $54,222 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,791 in an average-cost city. This makes Wichita an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Wichita spans from $35,700 at the 10th percentile to $86,700 at the 90th percentile — a $51,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,400, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. With a population of 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, an entry-level forester earns around $37,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,400
$-6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,250
$-9,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,750
$-14,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wichita, KS

Percentile Wichita
10th Percentile $35,700
25th Percentile $43,350
Median (50th) $54,222
75th Percentile $69,700
90th Percentile $86,700

Forester Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Forester in Wichita

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Wichita

Browse open forester positions in Wichita, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Wichita

How much does a Forester make in Wichita, KS? ▼
The median forester salary in Wichita, Kansas is $54,222 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $35,700 (10th percentile) to $86,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Wichita? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,222, a forester in Wichita earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wichita compare to the Kansas state average for forester pay? ▼
Wichita's median forester salary of $54,222 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $55,497. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS? ▼
Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,222 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Wichita? ▼
Most forester positions in Wichita 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.