Agriculture & Environment Springfield, MO Pop. 169,176

Forester Salary in Springfield, Missouri

The median forester salary in Springfield, MO is $52,308 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$52,308
vs State Avg
$-3,827
vs National
$-11,482
Cost of Living
82%

Forester Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median forester salary of $52,308, which is $3,827 below the Missouri state average of $56,135. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,308 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Springfield spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level forester earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,080
$-7,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,300
$-11,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, MO

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $34,440
25th Percentile $41,820
Median (50th) $52,308
75th Percentile $67,240
90th Percentile $83,640

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
Independence, MO
$54,222
Pop. 123,011

How to Become a Forester in Springfield

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Springfield

Browse open forester positions in Springfield, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Springfield

How much does a Forester make in Springfield, MO? ▼
The median forester salary in Springfield, Missouri is $52,308 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,308, a forester in Springfield earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Missouri state average for forester pay? ▼
Springfield's median forester salary of $52,308 is 6.8% below the Missouri state average of $56,135. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $52,308 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Springfield? ▼
Most forester positions in Springfield 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.