Agriculture & Environment Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Forester Salary in Mississippi

The median forester salary in Mississippi is $52,946 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$52,946
vs National
$-10,844
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Forester Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,946 per year, foresters in Mississippi earn $10,844 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $52,946 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $34,860, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,660 — a $49,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $54,222.

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 Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level forester earns around $36,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,850 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,520
$-7,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,950
$-11,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,850
$-16,150 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $34,860
25th Percentile $42,330
Median (50th) $52,946
75th Percentile $68,060
90th Percentile $84,660

Forester Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for foresters in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Forester make in Mississippi? ▼
The median forester salary in Mississippi is $52,946 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $34,860 (10th percentile) to $84,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,946, a forester in Mississippi earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for foresters? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $36,520, while senior professionals earn $78,850.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Mississippi's median of $52,946 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($53,584) and West Virginia ($53,584).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level forester in Mississippi earns approximately $36,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,950. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,850.
What city in Mississippi pays foresters the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for foresters, with a median salary of $54,222. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.