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The differences between park rangers and park managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a park ranger and a park manager. Additionally, a park manager has an average salary of $42,985, which is higher than the $40,801 average annual salary of a park ranger.
The top three skills for a park ranger include patrol, customer service and CPR. The most important skills for a park manager are payroll, human resources, and public safety.
| Park Ranger | Park Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $40,801 | $42,985 |
| Hourly rate | $19.62 | $20.67 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 2,380 | 3,090 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A park ranger is responsible for maintaining and protecting the natural ecosystem landscape and coordinating with environmental organizations to develop strategies and programs to stabilize the condition of the lands. Park rangers conduct data analysis and research to improve agricultural integrity by utilizing adequate resources through scientific testing and investigations. They monitor the activities of landowners and other businesses that may pose risks to the environment. A park ranger should have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as extensive knowledge of environmental programs and conservation.
Park Managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of parks. Their duties include organizing work schedules and assignments, supervising park maintenance activities, conduct park inspections, and assess revenue channels. They are also responsible for administering park programs, facilitating park constructions, and helping staff training and recruitment initiatives. Park Managers also assist in resource protection services as well as educational outreach operations. They collaborate and foster good relations with the government, local communities, and non-profits in managing natural resources.
Park rangers and park managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Park Ranger | Park Manager | |
| Average salary | $40,801 | $42,985 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $72,000 | Between $30,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Reno, NV |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Nevada |
| Best paying company | National Park Foundation | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Government | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a park ranger and a park manager in terms of educational background:
| Park Ranger | Park Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY at Binghamton | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between park rangers' and park managers' demographics:
| Park Ranger | Park Manager | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.2% Female, 33.8% | Male, 63.8% Female, 36.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 0.5% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Asian, 1.4% White, 91.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 0.8% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Asian, 1.4% White, 91.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |