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Park Ranger Salary in Chicago, IL

Park Ranger salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Park Ranger Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026

The median Park Ranger salary in Chicago, IL is $46,010 per year ($3,834/month, $22/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.

Entry Level
$34K
$16/hr
Median
$46K
$22/hr
Senior
$65K
$31/hr
Top Earner
$74K
$35/hr

Park Ranger Take-Home Pay in Chicago

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$46,010
Federal Tax-$3,483
State Tax (5.0%)-$2,277
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$3,520
Annual Take-Home$36,730
Monthly Take-Home$3,061

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio45.6%
Median Home Price$320,000
Cost of Living Index107
City Median Salary$72,500
Park Ranger vs City Median$-26,490

Park Ranger Requirements

Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Job Growth
3.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementFirst AidEnvironmental EducationWilderness Skills

Chicago Job Market Overview

Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Park Ranger salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Park Ranger salary in Chicago, IL is $46,010 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Park Rangers earn around $34,240, while senior-level professionals can earn $65,270 or more.
How much does a Park Ranger take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Park Ranger earning the median salary of $46,010 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $36,730 per year ($3,061/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.2%.
Is Chicago a good city for Park Rangers?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Park Rangers here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Park Ranger in Chicago?
Key skills for Park Rangers include Conservation, Law Enforcement, First Aid, Environmental Education, Wilderness Skills. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include Federal Law Enforcement Training, EMT-B, Wildfire Training.
How does Park Ranger salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Park Ranger salary is $43,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $46,010, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Park Ranger salary in Chicago, IL?

The median Park Ranger salary in Chicago, IL is $46,010 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Park Rangers earn around $34,240, while senior-level professionals can earn $65,270 or more.

How much does a Park Ranger take home in Chicago after taxes?

A Park Ranger earning the median salary of $46,010 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $36,730 per year ($3,061/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.2%.

Is Chicago a good city for Park Rangers?

Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Park Rangers here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Park Ranger in Chicago?

Key skills for Park Rangers include Conservation, Law Enforcement, First Aid, Environmental Education, Wilderness Skills. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include Federal Law Enforcement Training, EMT-B, Wildfire Training.

How does Park Ranger salary in Chicago compare to the national average?

The national median Park Ranger salary is $43,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $46,010, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.