Agriculture & Environment Southaven, MS Pop. 55,026

Forester Salary in Southaven, Mississippi

The median forester salary in Southaven, MS is $53,584 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 1.2% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$53,584
vs State Avg
+$638
vs National
$-10,206
Cost of Living
84%

Forester Pay in Southaven: What to Expect (2026)

Southaven offers a median forester salary of $53,584, which is $638 above the Mississippi state average of $52,946. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Southaven pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Southaven's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $53,584 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Southaven an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Southaven spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $85,680 at the 90th percentile — a $50,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. Southaven is a smaller market (pop. 55,026), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Southaven by Experience

In Southaven, an entry-level forester earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-7,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Southaven, MS

Percentile Southaven
10th Percentile $35,280
25th Percentile $42,840
Median (50th) $53,584
75th Percentile $68,880
90th Percentile $85,680

Forester Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$54,222
Pop. 153,701
Biloxi, MS
$52,946
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$52,308
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$51,032
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Forester in Southaven

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Southaven

Browse open forester positions in Southaven, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Southaven

How much does a Forester make in Southaven, MS? ▼
The median forester salary in Southaven, Mississippi is $53,584 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $85,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Southaven? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,584, a forester in Southaven earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Southaven compare to the Mississippi state average for forester pay? ▼
Southaven's median forester salary of $53,584 is 1.2% above the Mississippi state average of $52,946. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Southaven, MS? ▼
Southaven has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $53,584 in Southaven has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Southaven? ▼
Most forester positions in Southaven 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.