How much does a Park Naturalist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Park Naturalist in the United States is $62,138 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Park Naturalist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $90,376
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,077 to $76,919
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,007

Key Factors That Influence Park Naturalist Salaries

A Park Naturalist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Park Naturalists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $78,374
  • San Francisco: $77,516
  • Oakland: $75,883

What Skills Can Increase a Park Naturalist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 16.18% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Physical Sciences (Mentioned in 5.88% Job Postings): Explaining and studying nonliving systems and materials through empirical evidence to support technological and scientific advancements.
  • Animal Welfare (Mentioned in 2.94% Job Postings): A well-being of non-human animals. Formal standards vary between contexts, but are debated mostly by animal welfare groups, legislators and academics.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 16.18%
Physical Sciences 5.88%
Animal Welfare 2.94%

Park Naturalist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Park Naturalist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,138. While startup companies pay approximate $62,138.

Park Naturalist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $62,138
Growth Stage 51~500 $62,138
Established 501~5000 $62,138
Enterprise 5000+ $62,138

Park Naturalist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Park Naturalist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$51,077
Average $62,138/year
$76,919
$4,256
Average $5,178/month
$6,410
$982
Average $1,195/week
$1,479
$25
Average $30/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $76,919 $6,410 $1,479 $37
Average $62,138 $5,178 $1,195 $30
25th Percentile $51,077 $4,256 $982 $25

Park Naturalist Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Park Naturalist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Religious Activities and Education Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $73,653 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Park Naturalist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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FAQ about Park Naturalist

1. Where can a Park Naturalist earn the most?

A Park Naturalist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Park Naturalist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Park Naturalist is $78,374.

2. What is the highest pay for Park Naturalist?

The highest pay for Park Naturalist is $90,376.

3. What is the lowest pay for Park Naturalist?

The lowest pay for Park Naturalist is $41,007.

4. What are the responsibilities of Park Naturalist?

Plans, develops, and conducts programs to inform the public of historical, natural, and scientific features concerning national, state, or local parks. May require a bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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