Park rangers share a common dedication to preserving our state and national parks, a love for nature, and a commitment to educating the public about environmental stewardship. However, the specific roles and corresponding salaries within the field can vary significantly. This guide breaks down the factors influencing park ranger salaries and provides insights into earning potential at both the federal and state levels.
The salary of a park ranger depends on factors such as the employing agency (federal or state), the size and scope of the park, the specific park ranger position (e.g., cultural or protective ranger), and the individual’s education and experience. Seasonal positions at smaller state parks may start around $15 per hour, while experienced rangers at large state and national parks can earn upwards of $80,000 annually. Overtime, particularly during peak seasons, can also impact overall earnings.
Federal Park Ranger Salaries: The General Schedule Pay Scale
Federal park rangers play a vital role in managing and protecting the vast federal lands overseen by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). This includes over 189 million acres across agencies like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation. Some rangers are also employed by the Army Corps of Engineers, managing recreational areas at over 420 lake and river projects.
Park ranger leading a tour in a national park, educating visitors about the environment and local wildlife
Federal park ranger salaries are determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which includes 15 pay grades (GS-1 to GS-15), each with ten pay steps. Law enforcement park rangers follow the GL schedule.
General and Interpretive Park Rangers
These rangers often require specialized experience in areas such as park guiding, forestry, fire management, historical preservation, or conservation management. Relevant degrees include natural resource management, natural sciences, history, archeology, park and recreation management, and business administration.
As of 2020, typical salaries for general and interpretive park rangers based on the GS scale were:
- GS-5: $30,113 – $39,149
- GS-7: $37,301 – $48,448
- GS-9: $45,627 – $59,316
- GS-11: $55,204 – $71,764
- GS-13: $78,681 – $102,288
- GS-15: $109,366 – $142,180
While the GS scale starts at GS-1, most park rangers are hired at GS-5 or higher, depending on education and experience (as outlined in the Park Ranger Series, 0025):
- GS-5: Requires a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours of related coursework or one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4.
- GS-7: Requires one full academic year of graduate education or one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5.
- GS-9: Requires two full academic years of graduate education/master’s degree or one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7.
- GS-11 and above: Requires three years of graduate level education/Ph.D. or one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 or higher.
Law Enforcement Park Rangers
These positions require specialized experience in law enforcement or investigations, along with relevant degrees such as law enforcement, social sciences, or public administration. Law enforcement rangers are paid according to the GL schedule:
- GL-5: $37,141 – $46,177
- GL-6: $39,162 – $49,233
- GL-7: $42,273 – $53,460
- GL-8: $44,064 – $56,457
- GL-9: $47,148 – $60,837
- GL-10: $51,921 – $66,996
These positions typically require prior law enforcement or military experience and completion of the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy Training Program.
Locality Pay and Federal Benefits
Federal park rangers may receive additional locality pay based on their duty station to account for cost of living differences. For instance, rangers in the Washington D.C. metro area earn significantly more than the national GS-5 pay range.
Furthermore, federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health benefits with a wide selection of plans
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS) for healthcare and dependent care
- Dental and vision insurance (FEDVIP)
- Life insurance (FEGLI)
- Long-term care insurance
- Retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including pension, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan.
Examples of Federal Park Ranger Salaries
Current job openings provide real-world examples of federal park ranger salaries:
- Park Ranger, National Park Service, Tutuila Island, American Samoa: Starting at $52,905 (GS-9)
- Park Ranger, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Multiple locations: Starting at $46,499 (GS-7)
- Park Ranger, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, multiple locations: Starting at $27,800 (GS 3-5)
- Supervisory Park Ranger, National Park Service, San Francisco, CA: Starting at $111,286 (GS-13)
State Park Ranger Salaries: A State-by-State Overview
Salaries for park rangers working for state park departments vary more widely than federal salaries, reflecting differences in education, experience, job responsibilities, and state budget priorities. States that heavily rely on tourism generated by their parks are often more willing to offer competitive salaries.
For example, California state park peace officers earn between $47,772 and $76,236 annually, while supervisory rangers earn $63,132 to $85,800. Qualifying for a California ranger position requires college coursework, relevant experience, and graduation from a POST basic course academy.
Other states follow a similar pattern, with entry-level interpretive positions requiring some college education and higher-level law enforcement positions preferring candidates with a bachelor’s degree and law enforcement experience.
Here are some examples from other states:
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Washington State Parks:
- Park Ranger I: $41,352 – $55,524
- Park Ranger IV: $69,264 – $93,132 (Requires at least two years of college)
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Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation:
- Park Ranger Level I: $22,844 – $33,504
- Park Ranger Level IV: $36,784 – $53,949
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Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (Natural Resource Specialists and Managers):
- Natural Resource Specialist II: $27,004 – $70,017
- Natural Resource Manager III: $60,209 – $141,502
Locality pay can also influence state park ranger salaries. For instance, natural resource managers in Northern Virginia earn more than those in other parts of the state due to the higher cost of living.
Conclusion
The salary of a park ranger is influenced by numerous factors. Understanding these variables can help aspiring park rangers make informed decisions about their education, career path, and geographic location to maximize their earning potential. Whether at the federal or state level, a career as a park ranger offers the opportunity to protect our natural resources and educate future generations.
