Agriculture & Environment Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Forester Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median forester salary in Kansas City, MO is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$58,687
vs State Avg
+$2,552
vs National
$-5,103
Cost of Living
92%

Forester Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median forester salary of $58,687, which is $2,552 above the Missouri state average of $56,135. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for foresters in Kansas City spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $93,840 at the 90th percentile — a $55,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,480, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Forester Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level forester earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $46,920
Median (50th) $58,687
75th Percentile $75,440
90th Percentile $93,840

Forester Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$57,411
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$56,135
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$54,222
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$52,308
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Forester in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open forester positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Forester make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median forester salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $93,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,687, a forester in Kansas City earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for forester pay? ▼
Kansas City's median forester salary of $58,687 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $56,135. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $58,687 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Kansas City? ▼
Most forester positions in Kansas City 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.