Agriculture & Environment Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Forester Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median forester salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $51,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$51,032
vs State Avg
$-1,914
vs National
$-12,758
Cost of Living
80%

Forester Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median forester salary of $51,032, which is $1,914 below the Mississippi state average of $52,946. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $51,032 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Hattiesburg spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $81,600 at the 90th percentile — a $48,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level forester earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-8,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,000
$-13,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,000
$-19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $40,800
Median (50th) $51,032
75th Percentile $65,600
90th Percentile $81,600

Forester Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$54,222
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$53,584
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$52,946
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$52,308
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Forester in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open forester positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Forester make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median forester salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $51,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $81,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,032, a forester in Hattiesburg earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for forester pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median forester salary of $51,032 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $52,946. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $51,032 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most forester positions in Hattiesburg 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.