Agriculture & Environment Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

Forester Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median forester salary in Jackson, MS is $54,222 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.4% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$54,222
vs State Avg
+$1,276
vs National
$-9,568
Cost of Living
85%

Forester Pay in Jackson: What to Expect (2026)

Jackson offers a median forester salary of $54,222, which is $1,276 above the Mississippi state average of $52,946. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson'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 Jackson an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Jackson 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 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, 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 Jackson, MS

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

Forester Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

How to Become a Forester in Jackson

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Jackson 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 Jackson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Jackson

Browse open forester positions in Jackson, MS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Jackson

How much does a Forester make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median forester salary in Jackson, Mississippi 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 Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,222, a forester in Jackson earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for forester pay? ▼
Jackson's median forester salary of $54,222 is 2.4% above the Mississippi state average of $52,946. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,222 in Jackson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Jackson? ▼
Most forester positions in Jackson 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.