Agriculture & Environment Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Forester Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median forester salary in Kearney, NE is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$54,859
vs State Avg
$-2,552
vs National
$-8,931
Cost of Living
86%

Forester Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median forester salary of $54,859, which is $2,552 below the Nebraska state average of $57,411. Compared to the national median of $63,790, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,859 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Kearney spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level forester earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $43,860
Median (50th) $54,859
75th Percentile $70,520
90th Percentile $87,720

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
Grand Island, NE
$53,584
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Forester in Kearney

Education

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

Find Forester Jobs in Kearney

Browse open forester positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Kearney

How much does a Forester make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median forester salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $54,859 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,859, a forester in Kearney earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for forester pay? ▼
Kearney's median forester salary of $54,859 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $57,411. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $54,859 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Kearney? ▼
Most forester positions in Kearney 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.