Agriculture & Environment Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Forester Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median forester salary in Grand Island, NE is $53,584 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$53,584
vs State Avg
$-3,827
vs National
$-10,206
Cost of Living
84%

Forester Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median forester salary of $53,584, which is $3,827 below the Nebraska state average of $57,411. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for foresters in Grand Island 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. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, 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 Grand Island, NE

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

Forester Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$59,325
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$58,687
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$57,411
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$54,859
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Forester in Grand Island

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open forester positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Forester make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median forester salary in Grand Island, Nebraska 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 Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,584, a forester in Grand Island earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for forester pay? ▼
Grand Island's median forester salary of $53,584 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $57,411. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $53,584 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Grand Island? ▼
Most forester positions in Grand Island 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.