Park Ranger Salary in 2026
Park rangers protect and manage national and state parks, enforcing regulations, leading educational programs, and maintaining natural resources. They ensure visitor safety and conservation.
Median Salary
$43,000
$3,583/mo
Entry Level
$32,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$61,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Park Ranger Overview
Park rangers protect and manage national and state parks, enforcing regulations, leading educational programs, and maintaining natural resources. They ensure visitor safety and conservation.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
30K
5-Year Growth
+9%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$20.67/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,583
Park Ranger Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Park Ranger salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Park Ranger Salary
$51,000
$4,250/month · $1,962/biweekly · $24.52/hr
Park Ranger Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Park Ranger field.
Entry-level Park Rangers earn around $32,000, while the top 10% earn $65,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Park Rangers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $51,000 | +$8,000 |
| Alaska | $46,000 | +$3,000 |
| Colorado | $45,000 | +$2,000 |
| Wyoming | $40,000 | $-3,000 |
| Montana | $39,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Park Rangers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | $46,000 | +$3,000 |
| Anchorage | $46,000 | +$3,000 |
| Yosemite | $43,000 | $0 |
| Glacier | $39,000 | $-4,000 |
| Yellowstone | $39,000 | $-4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Park Ranger Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Park Ranger from entry level to expert.
$32,000
0-2 years
$47,000
3-7 years
$61,000
8-14 years
$69,000
15+ years
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Park Ranger Salary FAQ
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