Agriculture & Environment Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Forester Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median forester salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $58,687 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

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

Forester Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

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

Sioux Falls'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 Sioux Falls 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. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Forester Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, 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 Sioux Falls, SD

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

Forester Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Forester in Sioux Falls

Education

Most forester positions require a bachelor's degree. Sioux Falls and the surrounding South Dakota 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 Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open forester positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Forester make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median forester salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota 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 Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,687, a forester in Sioux Falls earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for forester pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median forester salary of $58,687 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $56,135. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a forester salary of $58,687 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most forester positions in Sioux Falls 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.