Agriculture & Environment Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Forester Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median forester salary in Independence, MO is $54,222 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$54,222
vs State Avg
$-1,913
vs National
$-9,568
Cost of Living
85%

Forester Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median forester salary of $54,222, which is $1,913 below the Missouri state average of $56,135. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for foresters in Independence 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 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, 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 Independence, MO

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

Forester Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$58,687
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$57,411
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$56,135
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$52,308
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Forester in Independence

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Independence

Browse open forester positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Independence

How much does a Forester make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median forester salary in Independence, Missouri 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 Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,222, a forester in Independence earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for forester pay? ▼
Independence's median forester salary of $54,222 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $56,135. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,222 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Independence? ▼
Most forester positions in Independence 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.