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Ranger salary
Average ranger salary
$15.44
Average Ranger Salary
The average salary for a ranger in the United States is approximately $32,117 annually, translating to about $15 per hour. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location and years of experience. For example, rangers in states like California and New York tend to earn higher wages due to the cost of living and demand for outdoor services.
Factors Influencing Ranger Salaries
Experience also plays a crucial role in salary determination. Entry-level positions generally pay less, while those with several years of experience may see their salaries increase significantly. Additionally, specialized roles, such as wildlife rangers or park rangers with specific responsibilities, can command higher pay. Understanding these dynamics is vital for anyone considering a career as a ranger.
Where Rangers Earn More
Rangers in national parks and larger metropolitan areas often report higher salaries. It’s beneficial to research specific parks or regions where ranger positions are available to identify potential earnings. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing further qualifications or certifications can lead to better job opportunities and increased pay.
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Where can a Ranger earn more?
Ranger salaries by experience level
| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level ranger | $25,300 | $12.18 |
| Mid-level ranger | $33,500 | $16.11 |
| Senior-level ranger | $40,700 | $19.58 |
Ranger salary estimates from across the web
Average ranger salary by state
The highest-paying states for rangers are North Dakota, New York, and Connecticut. The lowest average ranger salary states are Kansas, Idaho, and Arkansas.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for rangers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania | $33,705 | $16.20 |
| 2 | West Virginia | $31,479 | $15.13 |
| 3 | Washington | $34,814 | $16.74 |
| 4 | New York | $39,753 | $19.11 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $33,593 | $16.15 |
| 6 | North Dakota | $41,956 | $20.17 |
| 7 | Connecticut | $39,724 | $19.10 |
| 8 | Mississippi | $30,470 | $14.65 |
| 9 | Alaska | $31,661 | $15.22 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $38,729 | $18.62 |
| 11 | Maine | $30,274 | $14.55 |
| 12 | Hawaii | $33,023 | $15.88 |
| 13 | Indiana | $31,262 | $15.03 |
| 14 | Rhode Island | $33,420 | $16.07 |
| 15 | New Hampshire | $35,145 | $16.90 |
| 16 | Minnesota | $33,776 | $16.24 |
| 17 | Michigan | $31,192 | $15.00 |
| 18 | Iowa | $33,056 | $15.89 |
| 19 | Colorado | $28,946 | $13.92 |
| 20 | Ohio | $29,403 | $14.14 |
| 21 | Vermont | $32,781 | $15.76 |
| 22 | Virginia | $29,020 | $13.95 |
| 23 | District of Columbia | $32,928 | $15.83 |
| 24 | Illinois | $30,464 | $14.65 |
| 25 | Montana | $27,222 | $13.09 |
| 26 | South Dakota | $25,762 | $12.39 |
| 27 | Wyoming | $23,902 | $11.49 |
| 28 | California | $29,210 | $14.04 |
| 29 | Kentucky | $23,290 | $11.20 |
| 30 | Texas | $26,681 | $12.83 |
| 31 | Delaware | $29,150 | $14.01 |
| 32 | Maryland | $29,392 | $14.13 |
| 33 | Nebraska | $27,319 | $13.13 |
| 34 | Wisconsin | $26,122 | $12.56 |
| 35 | Florida | $24,301 | $11.68 |
| 36 | Arizona | $24,973 | $12.01 |
| 37 | North Carolina | $23,320 | $11.21 |
| 38 | New Mexico | $21,715 | $10.44 |
| 39 | Oklahoma | $21,627 | $10.40 |
| 40 | Nevada | $24,133 | $11.60 |
| 41 | Alabama | $22,903 | $11.01 |
| 42 | Oregon | $25,031 | $12.03 |
| 43 | Georgia | $21,373 | $10.28 |
| 44 | Missouri | $24,906 | $11.97 |
| 45 | Tennessee | $19,803 | $9.52 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $21,105 | $10.15 |
| 47 | Utah | $19,761 | $9.50 |
| 48 | Arkansas | $20,451 | $9.83 |
| 49 | Idaho | $21,033 | $10.11 |
| 50 | Kansas | $21,084 | $10.14 |
| 51 | Louisiana | $18,649 | $8.97 |
Highest paying cities for rangers
The highest-paying cities for rangers are Boston, MA, Greenwood, IN, and Arlington, VA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston, MA | $33,614 | $16.16 |
| 2 | Greenwood, IN | $30,810 | $14.81 |
| 3 | Arlington, VA | $30,331 | $14.58 |
| 4 | Chula Vista, CA | $29,421 | $14.14 |
| 5 | Denver, CO | $28,968 | $13.93 |
| 6 | Odessa, TX | $26,911 | $12.94 |
| 7 | Casa Grande, AZ | $25,061 | $12.05 |
| 8 | Bend, OR | $24,859 | $11.95 |
| 9 | Jacksonville, FL | $24,370 | $11.72 |
| 10 | Asheville, NC | $22,862 | $10.99 |
| 11 | Salt Lake City, UT | $19,789 | $9.51 |
Ranger salary details
A ranger's salary ranges from $23,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $44,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a ranger's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $44,000 | $3,667 | $21 |
| 75th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
| Average | $32,117 | $2,676 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $23,000 | $1,917 | $11 |
Highest paying ranger jobs
The highest paying types of rangers are first officer, law enforcement specialist, and patrol sergeant.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Services Officer | $38,039 | $3,170 | $18.29 | 181,257 |
| Military Police | $42,633 | $3,553 | $20.50 | 4,476 |
| Patrol Sergeant | $56,638 | $4,720 | $27.23 | 22,591 |
| Code Enforcement Officer | $40,706 | $3,392 | $19.57 | 104,295 |
| First Officer | $82,510 | $6,876 | $39.67 | 89,899 |
| Public Safety Officer | $36,596 | $3,050 | $17.59 | 122,048 |
Which companies pay rangers the most?
Ranger salaries at Student Conservation Association and Education Affiliates are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average ranger salary at companies like Jefferson County Sheriffs Dept and Bureau of Land Management are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student Conservation Association | $45,872 | $22.05 |
| 2 | Education Affiliates | $42,618 | $20.49 |
| 3 | Jefferson County Sheriffs Dept | $40,602 | $19.52 |
| 4 | Bureau of Land Management | $39,791 | $19.13 |
| 5 | New York State Restaurant Association | $38,428 | $18.48 |
| 6 | LYNX Services | $38,286 | $18.41 |
| 7 | Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs | $38,046 | $18.29 |
| 8 | The Walt Disney Company | $35,800 | $17.21 |
| 9 | Forest Manufacturing Co | $34,792 | $16.73 |
| 10 | Sun Communities | $34,292 | $16.49 |
| 11 | Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | $34,112 | $16.40 |
| 12 | Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania | $32,811 | $15.77 |
| 13 | New Belgium Brewing | $32,592 | $15.67 |
| 14 | Qualis | $32,501 | $15.63 |
| 15 | Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing P.c. Or Aza | $32,290 | $15.52 |
| 16 | NC.gov | $32,160 | $15.46 |
| 17 | TDX Tech | $31,990 | $15.38 |
| 18 | Bluewater Waterfront Grill | $31,788 | $15.28 |
| 19 | Troon | $31,210 | $15.00 |
| 20 | Marriott International | $31,056 | $14.93 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Ranger salary trends
The average ranger salary has risen by $5,542 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average ranger earned $26,575 annually, but today, they earn $32,117 a year. That works out to a 10% change in pay for rangers over the last decade.
Compare ranger salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average ranger salary over time
Compare ranger salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Ranger salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,100 | $15.44 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $30,900 | $14.88 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $30,100 | $14.46 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $29,900 | $14.38 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $29,200 | $14.06 | +2.3% |
Recently added ranger salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Lifestyle Properties | Ranger | South Lake Tahoe, CA | 06/30/2025 | $37,566 |
| Equity Lifestyle Properties | Ranger | Corinth, NY | 06/30/2025 | $34,436 |
| MHC Equity Lifestyle Properties | Ranger | South Lake Tahoe, CA | 06/27/2025 | $37,566 |
| Boulder County, Co | Gross Reservoir Seasonal Ranger | Boulder, CO | 06/26/2025 | $53,427 |
| Equity Lifestyle Properties | Ranger | Ocean, NJ | 06/24/2025 | $32,328 |
| Equity Lifestyle Properties | Ranger | Chehalis, WA | 06/22/2025 | $35,813 |
| MHC Equity Lifestyle Properties | Ranger | Newport, WA | 06/19/2025 | $35,479 |
| City of Escondido (Ca | Ranger Specialist | Escondido, CA | 06/17/2025 | $46,102 |
| City of Escondido | Ranger Specialist | Escondido, CA | 06/17/2025 | $46,102 |
| Garfield School District (Nj | Athletic Complex Ranger | Garfield, NJ | 06/05/2025 | $41,740 |
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