Park Ranger Salaries

1. San Diego, CA
   Average Salary: $68,842
   In San Diego, you'll enjoy a mild climate and beautiful beaches. Working here means protecting diverse ecosystems and engaging with the community. The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park offer unique experiences.
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2. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $62,352
   Seattle offers a mix of urban and natural beauty. Rangers here work to preserve the lush forests and waterways. Companies like REI and Starbucks provide a vibrant work-life balance.
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3. Denver, CO
   Average Salary: $57,718
   Denver's parks and trails offer stunning views of the Rockies. Rangers here focus on wildlife conservation and public education. The city's outdoor culture makes it a great place to work.
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4. Chattanooga, TN
   Average Salary: $55,652
   Chattanooga is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Rangers here protect the area's rich biodiversity. The city's growing tech scene adds to the job opportunities.
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5. Salt Lake City, UT
   Average Salary: $55,605
   Salt Lake City offers a mix of mountains and urban life. Rangers here work to maintain the area's natural beauty. The city's strong community spirit enhances the work environment.
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6. Madison, WI
   Average Salary: $53,669
   Madison is a city of lakes and parks. Rangers here focus on conservation and public outreach. The University of Wisconsin adds to the intellectual and cultural richness of the area.
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7. Riverside, CA
   Average Salary: $52,390
   Riverside offers a warm climate and beautiful landscapes. Rangers here protect the region's natural resources. The city's growing economy provides diverse job opportunities.
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8. Springfield, MO
   Average Salary: $52,268
   Springfield is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Rangers here work to preserve the area's forests and rivers. The city's affordable cost of living is a big plus.
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9. Baltimore, MD
   Average Salary: $50,958
   Baltimore offers a mix of urban and natural environments. Rangers here focus on protecting the city's parks and waterways. The city's rich history and culture add to the job experience.
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10. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $48,280
    Nashville is known for its vibrant music scene and natural beauty. Rangers here work to protect the area's forests and wildlife. The city's growing economy offers many job opportunities.
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1. State of Nevada
   Average Salary: $80,885
   The State of Nevada offers rewarding Park Ranger jobs with a focus on preserving the state's natural beauty. Opportunities exist in various parks and wilderness areas across the state. Nevada's diverse landscapes provide a unique setting for those passionate about outdoor conservation.
   

   
   

2. State of Tennessee
   Average Salary: $60,087
   In Tennessee, Park Ranger jobs focus on the protection and enjoyment of the state's parks and forests. Rangers work in locations such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other state parks. Tennessee offers a mix of urban and rural settings, making it ideal for those who love both city and nature.
   

   
   

3. State of Washington
   Average Salary: $58,304
   The State of Washington provides a range of Park Ranger positions, with roles in iconic parks like Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. Washington's diverse ecosystems offer exciting opportunities for those dedicated to environmental stewardship. The state's commitment to conservation makes it a great place for Park Rangers.
   

   
   

4. Hamilton County
   Average Salary: $57,813
   Hamilton County offers Park Ranger jobs that focus on local parks and natural areas. Rangers work in parks and recreational areas within the county, providing services to the community. Hamilton County's parks are well-maintained, offering a great environment for those who enjoy working in a community setting.
   

   
   

5. Hamilton County, TN
   Average Salary: $56,988
   Hamilton County, Tennessee, provides Park Ranger positions that focus on local parks and natural areas. Rangers work in parks and recreational areas within the county, providing services to the community. The county's parks are well-maintained, offering a great environment for those who enjoy working in a community setting.
   

   
   

6. State of New Mexico
   Average Salary: $55,683
   The State of New Mexico offers Park Ranger jobs with a focus on the state's diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and forests. Rangers work in various parks and wilderness areas, such as the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. New Mexico's unique environment provides exciting opportunities for those passionate about conservation.
   

   
   

7. County of Riverside
   Average Salary: $53,809
   The County of Riverside offers Park Ranger jobs that focus on the protection and enjoyment of local parks and natural areas. Rangers work in parks and recreational areas within the county, providing services to the community. Riverside County's parks are well-maintained, offering a great environment for those who enjoy working in a community setting.
   

   
   

8. U.S. National Park Service
   Average Salary: $53,794
   The U.S. National Park Service offers Park Ranger jobs in national parks across the country. Rangers work in iconic parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite. The service provides opportunities for those who want to work in some of the most beautiful and well-known parks in the world.
   

   
   

9. US Bureau of Land Management
   Average Salary: $52,991
   The US Bureau of Land Management offers Park Ranger jobs focused on managing public lands and natural resources. Rangers work in various locations across the country, protecting and preserving public lands. The bureau offers a diverse range of environments, from deserts to forests, providing exciting opportunities for those dedicated to conservation.
   

   
   

10. State of Michigan
    Average Salary: $52,285
    The State of Michigan offers Park Ranger jobs with a focus on the state's parks and natural areas. Rangers work in parks and recreational areas across the state, including the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Michigan's diverse landscapes offer a great environment for those passionate about outdoor conservation.
    

A career as a Park Ranger offers many opportunities for growth and increased earnings. By focusing on certain areas, a Park Ranger can enhance their skills and potentially earn more. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can include wilderness first aid, search and rescue, or specialized training in wildlife management. Each certification adds value and can lead to higher-paying positions.

Another way to increase earnings is by pursuing advanced education. Many Park Rangers earn a bachelor's or master's degree in fields like environmental science, forestry, or natural resource management. Higher education often leads to promotions and roles with greater responsibilities and pay. Experience also plays a crucial role. Rangers with more years of service and a proven track record often receive higher salaries. Taking on leadership roles, such as becoming a team leader or a supervisor, can also boost income. Lastly, working in higher-demand areas or during peak seasons can provide additional pay and benefits.

Here are some factors that can help increase earnings as a Park Ranger:

1. Obtain additional certifications
2. Pursue advanced education
3. Gain more experience
4. Take on leadership roles
5. Work in high-demand areas or peak seasons