Park ranger salary

Park ranger earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level park ranger earnings begin at:

$28.08 per hour

$58,408 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level park ranger earnings begin at:

$18.53 per hour

$38,535 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level park ranger earnings begin at:

$13.56 per hour

$28,196 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level park ranger earnings begin at:

$11.33 per hour

$23,566 per year

10th percentile

Starting level park ranger earnings begin at:

$10.46 per hour

$21,754 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

How much does a Park Ranger earn?

There are different levels of park rangers. Some are hired to work temporarily during the summer. Others are hired for permanent full-time positions. There are a few things that can determine a starting park ranger salary, such as the park agency (federal or state), the size of the park and the scope of the job, the park ranger position (protective park ranger, cultural park ranger etc.), education, and experience. Since most park rangers work for the government, they also have health care and pension plans on top of salary.

Individuals who gain experience and time on the job may move to higher paying salaries, such as park superintendent, or park director. Retired park managers sometimes move into law enforcement positions.

How do park ranger salaries compare to similar careers?

Park rangers earn 9% less than similar careers in the United States. On average, they make less than range managers but more than grounds maintenance workers.

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)