How much does a Park Ranger make?
Park Rangers play a vital role in protecting and preserving natural resources. They work in various environments, from national parks to wildlife reserves. Their dedication to conservation often translates into a rewarding career. The average yearly salary for a Park Ranger is $44,916. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and specific duties.
Park Rangers can earn different salaries depending on their level of experience. Entry-level rangers typically start around $25,000 per year. With more experience, salaries can rise significantly. Rangers with several years under their belt may earn between $49,500 and $64,200 annually. Those with the most experience and specialized skills can reach salaries of $74,000 or more. This range shows that dedication and skill can lead to higher earnings in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Park Ranger?
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $69,526
In San Diego, you can enjoy beautiful beaches and parks. The job offers a mix of outdoor activities and conservation work. The National Park Service and local parks provide many opportunities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $61,113
Seattle offers a vibrant city life with stunning natural surroundings. You can work in iconic parks and forests. The city's commitment to green spaces makes it a great place for nature lovers.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $57,621
Denver provides a mix of urban and natural environments. You can explore the Rocky Mountains and city parks. The job involves both wildlife management and public education. Companies like the U.S. Forest Service offer great opportunities.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $57,553
Salt Lake City offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor settings. You can work in beautiful parks and natural areas. The city's parks department and national forests provide diverse experiences.
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Chattanooga, TN
Average Salary: $55,720
Chattanooga is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. The job involves working in parks and natural reserves. The city's commitment to preserving nature makes it an attractive place for park professionals.
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Springfield, MO
Average Salary: $53,578
Springfield offers a mix of urban and rural settings. You can work in parks and natural areas. The job involves both conservation and community engagement. Local parks and state forests provide many opportunities.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $52,467
Riverside provides a mix of urban and natural environments. You can enjoy working in parks and natural areas. The city's parks department and local reserves offer great experiences.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $50,332
Nashville offers a vibrant city life with plenty of green spaces. The job involves working in parks and natural areas. The city's parks department and local parks provide many opportunities.
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Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $47,469
Tallahassee offers a mix of urban and natural settings. You can work in parks and natural areas. The job involves both conservation and public education. Local parks and state forests offer great experiences.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $47,068
Phoenix provides a unique desert environment with plenty of outdoor activities. The job involves working in parks and natural reserves. The city's parks department and local parks offer diverse experiences.
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What are the best companies a Park Ranger can work for?
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State of Nevada
Average Salary: $81,514
The State of Nevada offers rewarding Park Ranger jobs with a focus on protecting natural resources and ensuring public safety. Nevada's diverse landscapes, from the Sierra Nevada to the Mojave Desert, provide unique challenges and opportunities. Park Rangers work in locations such as Red Rock Canyon and Great Basin National Park.
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State of Tennessee
Average Salary: $59,713
In Tennessee, Park Ranger jobs focus on preserving the state's rich natural heritage. Tennessee's parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offer stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Rangers here work to protect these areas while providing educational programs for visitors.
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State of North Carolina
Average Salary: $57,261
North Carolina's Park Ranger positions emphasize conservation and recreation. The state's parks, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Dismal Swamp, offer beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Rangers here play a key role in maintaining these areas and engaging with the public.
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Hamilton County
Average Salary: $56,418
Hamilton County provides Park Ranger jobs with a focus on local parks and natural areas. The county's parks, including the Hunter's Point at the Palisades, offer recreational opportunities and educational programs. Rangers here are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
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Hamilton County, TN
Average Salary: $56,041
Hamilton County, TN, offers Park Ranger jobs with a focus on local parks and community engagement. The county's parks, such as the Hunter's Point at the Palisades, provide recreational spaces and educational programs. Rangers here work to protect the environment and enhance the community experience.
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State of Washington
Average Salary: $55,587
Washington State offers Park Ranger jobs with a focus on its diverse natural landscapes. The state's parks, including Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park, provide stunning scenery and unique ecosystems. Rangers here work to protect these areas and promote outdoor recreation.
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State of New Mexico
Average Salary: $54,695
New Mexico's Park Ranger jobs focus on preserving the state's unique desert landscapes and cultural heritage. The state's parks, such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bandelier National Monument, offer unique geological and historical features. Rangers here work to protect these areas and educate the public.
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State of Michigan
Average Salary: $52,946
Michigan's Park Ranger jobs emphasize protecting the state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The state's parks, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offer stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Rangers here work to maintain these areas and engage with visitors.
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County of Riverside
Average Salary: $52,575
Riverside County offers Park Ranger jobs with a focus on local parks and natural areas. The county's parks, such as the Box Springs Mountain Reserve, provide recreational opportunities and educational programs. Rangers here are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
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U.S. National Park Service
Average Salary: $52,411
The U.S. National Park Service offers Park Ranger jobs with a focus on protecting national parks across the country. The service's parks, including Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park, offer diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems. Rangers here work to protect these areas and provide educational programs for visitors.
How to earn more as a Park Ranger?
A career as a Park Ranger offers many opportunities for growth and increased earnings. By focusing on certain key areas, a Park Ranger can enhance their skills and potentially earn more. One way to increase earnings is through gaining additional certifications and training. These can include specialized certifications in areas such as wildlife management, search and rescue, or emergency medical response. Another factor is gaining experience in higher-level positions, such as a supervisory role. This can lead to increased responsibilities and a higher salary.
Location also plays a significant role in earning potential. Park Rangers in urban areas or national parks with higher visitor numbers often earn more than those in less busy parks. Additionally, pursuing a master’s degree in fields such as environmental science or public administration can lead to higher-paying positions. Finally, taking on extra duties, such as leading educational programs or special projects, can also result in higher earnings. These opportunities not only provide financial benefits but also enhance professional development.
Here are five factors that can help a Park Ranger earn more:
- Obtain additional certifications and training.
- Gain experience in supervisory roles.
- Work in high-visitor-number parks or urban areas.
- Pursue a master’s degree in relevant fields.
- Take on extra duties and special projects.
