Introduction
Park rangers are the protectors of America’s natural resources, responsible for managing and maintaining our parks, forests, and other public lands. They work to ensure that these areas are safe, clean, and accessible for recreation and education. But how much do park rangers make? This article will explore the salaries and wages of park rangers in the United States.
A Guide to Park Ranger Salaries: What Earnings Can You Expect?
Park rangers in the United States can expect to earn a competitive wage, with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 annually. The exact salary depends on a variety of factors, such as location, experience, and job duties. In addition to a base salary, park rangers may also receive additional benefits, such as health insurance, vacation time, and retirement plans.

Exploring the Pay Scale of Park Rangers in the U.S.
The pay scale of park rangers in the United States is based on a set of criteria established by the federal government. These criteria include education level, experience, and job duties. Depending on the position, park rangers may be eligible for a variety of bonuses and incentives, such as cost-of-living adjustments, overtime pay, and hazardous duty pay. Here is a breakdown of the different levels of park ranger salaries:
- Entry Level – $30,000-$40,000
- Intermediate Level – $40,000-$50,000
- Senior Level – $50,000-$60,000
The salary for park rangers varies depending on the region. For example, park rangers in California typically earn more than park rangers in Texas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for park rangers in California is $57,480, while the median annual salary for park rangers in Texas is $41,820.

Investigating the Average Salary for Park Rangers in the United States
The average salary for park rangers in the United States is $48,800 per year. This figure is slightly higher than the national average for all occupations, which is $45,540 per year. When compared to other professions, park rangers tend to earn slightly less than police officers ($61,050) and firefighters ($50,850), but more than forest and conservation technicians ($41,220).
How Much Do Park Rangers Make? An In-Depth Look at Wages
In addition to the base salary for park rangers, there are several factors that can affect the amount of wages earned. These include the type of park, the size of the park, the number of visitors, and the complexity of the job duties. For example, park rangers who work in large parks with high visitor numbers may earn more than park rangers who work in small parks with fewer visitors.
The wages for park rangers also vary by state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying states for park rangers are Alaska ($68,790), California ($67,460), and New York ($62,500). The lowest paying states for park rangers are Mississippi ($34,420), Arkansas ($35,380), and South Carolina ($35,930).
Examining the Range of Salaries for Park Rangers Across America
The range of salaries for park rangers in the United States varies widely, depending on the region and the specific job duties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for park rangers in the United States is $47,890. The highest 10 percent of earners make more than $71,710, while the lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $30,610.
The range of salaries for park rangers also varies by state. For example, the median annual salary for park rangers in California is $62,200, while the median annual salary for park rangers in Texas is $44,030. Similarly, the median annual salary for park rangers in New York is $59,720, while the median annual salary for park rangers in Florida is $42,080.
What is the Typical Salary of a Park Ranger?
The typical salary of a park ranger in the United States is $48,800 per year. This figure takes into account all of the factors that can influence the salary of a park ranger, including experience, job duties, and location. Park rangers in some states, such as California and New York, may earn more than the typical salary due to higher costs of living and higher demands for their services.
Park rangers in other states, such as Mississippi, Arkansas, and South Carolina, may earn less than the typical salary due to lower costs of living and lower demands for their services. Regardless of the state, park rangers can expect to earn a competitive wage for their important work.
Conclusion
Park rangers play an essential role in protecting and preserving America’s natural resources. As such, they are compensated with competitive salaries and wages. The exact salary or wage of a park ranger depends on a variety of factors, such as experience, job duties, and location. On average, park rangers in the United States earn $48,800 per year, although this figure can range from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on the region.
This article has explored the salaries and wages of park rangers in the United States. We have looked at the pay scale, average salary, and range of wages for park rangers across the country, as well as the factors that can influence these figures. For those interested in pursuing a career as a park ranger, this information can help you determine what kind of salary or wage you can expect.
For further research, it would be interesting to compare the salaries and wages of park rangers to those of other professions, such as police officers and firefighters. Additionally, it would be useful to look at the salaries and wages of park rangers in other countries, to see how they compare to those in the United States.
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