Agriculture & Environment Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Forester Salary in Missouri

The median forester salary in Missouri is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,790.

Median Salary
$56,135
vs National
$-7,655
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Forester Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for forester compensation. Forester salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,135 per year, foresters in Missouri earn $7,655 less than the national median of $63,790.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $56,135 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: foresters at the 10th percentile earn $36,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $89,760 — a $52,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $58,687.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level forester earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $56,135
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $89,760

Forester Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for foresters in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Forester in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Missouri

How much does a Forester make in Missouri? ▼
The median forester salary in Missouri is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,135, a forester in Missouri earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for foresters? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for forester pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level foresters earn $38,720, while senior professionals earn $83,600.
How does Missouri compare to other states for forester salary? ▼
The highest paying state for foresters is Hawaii at $108,443. Missouri's median of $56,135 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($56,773) and Tennessee ($56,773).
What is the entry-level forester salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level forester in Missouri earns approximately $38,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $83,600.
What city in Missouri pays foresters the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for foresters, with a median salary of $58,687. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.