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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Park Ranger in the United States is $36,253 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $42,577
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $32,819 to $39,563
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,693

Key Factors That Influence Park Ranger Salaries

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

How Experience Level Affects Park Ranger Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Park Ranger's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $35,997
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $36,599
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $37,093
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $37,241
  • Expert (over 8 years): $37,340
Levels Salary
Entry Level Park Ranger$35,997
Intermediate Level Park Ranger$36,599
Senior Level Park Ranger$37,093
Specialist Level Park Ranger$37,241
Expert Level Park Ranger$37,340

Top Paying Cities for Park Ranger

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: $45,726
  • San Francisco: $45,225
  • Oakland: $44,272

Park Ranger Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Park Ranger salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,413. While startup companies pay approximate $31,969.

Park Ranger Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $31,969
Growth Stage 51~500 $33,729
Established 501~5000 $36,218
Enterprise 5000+ $37,413

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

Understanding how a Park Ranger'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 August 01, 2026
$32,819
Average $36,253/year
$39,563
$2,735
Average $3,021/month
$3,297
$631
Average $697/week
$761
$16
Average $17/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $39,563 $3,297 $761 $19
Average $36,253 $3,021 $697 $17
25th Percentile $32,819 $2,735 $631 $16

Most common benefits for Park Ranger

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

Common company salaries for Park Ranger

Here are companies hiring for Park Ranger and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Park Ranger

1. Where can a Park Ranger earn the most?

A Park Ranger'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 Ranger earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Park Ranger is $45,726.

2. What is the highest pay for Park Ranger?

The highest pay for Park Ranger is $42,577.

3. What is the lowest pay for Park Ranger?

The lowest pay for Park Ranger is $29,693.

4. What are the responsibilities of Park Ranger?

Responsible for maintaining park structures, facilities, equipment, and grounds. Ensures the park is clean and inviting for guests. Greets visitors, answers questions, and explains facilities and services available. Ensures the park rules and local laws are followed. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

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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