Forester Salary in Owensboro, KY: $52,308 (2026)

Forester Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median forester salary of $52,308, which is $3,189 below the Kentucky state average of $55,497. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,308 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Owensboro spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level forester earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,080

$-7,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,300

$-11,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,900

$-17,100 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$34,440	$36,540	$42,000
25th Percentile	$41,820	$44,370	$51,000
Median (50th)	$52,308	$55,497	$63,790
75th Percentile	$67,240	$71,340	$82,000
90th Percentile	$83,640	$88,740	$102,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$34,440

25th Percentile

$41,820

Median (50th)

$52,308

75th Percentile

$67,240

90th Percentile

$83,640

How to Become a Forester in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Forester make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median forester salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $52,308 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).

How much does a Forester make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $52,308, a forester in Owensboro earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for forester pay? ▼

Owensboro's median forester salary of $52,308 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $55,497. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $52,308 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most forester positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky