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Job outlook for park rangers in the United States
Park ranger job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected park ranger job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 1,800 new jobs for park rangers are projected over the next decade.
Park ranger salaries have increased 4% for park rangers in the last 5 years.
There are over 14,222 park rangers currently employed in the United States.
There are 2,380 active park ranger job openings in the US.
The average park ranger salary is $40,801.
Are park ranger jobs in demand?
Park Ranger job and salary trends over time
Park Ranger jobs over time
Park Ranger job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 14,222 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 13,949 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 14,086 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 14,076 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 14,043 | 0.00% |
Average park ranger salary over time
Park Ranger salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $40,801 | $19.62 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $39,934 | $19.20 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $39,074 | $18.79 | --0.3% |
| 2022 | $39,182 | $18.84 | --0.5% |
| 2021 | $39,393 | $18.94 | +1.1% |
Park Ranger jobs by state
Most common states for park rangers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 20 | 3% |
| 2 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 88 | 2% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 21 | 2% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 102 | 1% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 52 | 1% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 51 | 1% |
| 7 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 39 | 1% |
| 8 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 30 | 1% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 22 | 1% |
| 10 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 20 | 1% |
| 11 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 11 | 1% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 6 | 1% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 58 | 0% |
| 14 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 44 | 0% |
| 15 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 21 | 0% |
| 16 | New York | 19,849,399 | 17 | 0% |
| 17 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 8 | 0% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 3 | 0% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 2 | 0% |
| 20 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 1 | 0% |
Most common cities for park rangers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boca Raton | 1 | 1% | $32,735 |
| 2 | San Francisco | 2 | 0% | $50,657 |
Park Ranger job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of park ranger experts
Michigan State University
What general advice would you give to a Park Ranger?
Dr. Elizabeth Perry Ph.D.: There are a few jobs in very desirable locations (think all the well-known beautiful parks and the agencies that manage them) that receive an outsized number of applications. Yet, others that are lesser known (but just as amazing!) receive much fewer. If you have the ability to be mobile, or even looking around where you currently live, consider applying at some of these lesser-known locations and agencies. This includes also looking toward non-profit organizations and commercial businesses that are related to parks, recreation, and stewardship. You may have incredible experiences for skill development and salary advancement.
What Park Ranger skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elizabeth Perry Ph.D.: The visitor side of parks and rec and the impacts of climate change on the visitor experience and park and rec resources continue to increase in importance. We have more people visiting parks than ever (a good thing!), and with that comes needed strategies and practices to manage changing use levels, use patterns, and use types. This also requires solid communication skills, which cannot be overstated in parks and rec. Furthermore, as climate change continues to shift expected conditions in parks, a basic understanding about climate change and local impacts is necessary. If there are more visitors seeking out water resources in the summer, unexpected numbers of visitors in the shoulder seasons, and fewer snow-dependent activity opportunities in the winter – for example – understanding how to still help visitors find a quality and safe experience and protect park resources is needed.
What will help Park Rangers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth Perry Ph.D.: Try to gain a diversity of experiences. This helps in many ways, from getting "a pinch of this" knowledge across areas to nurturing a variety of relationships and a flexible attitude toward work duties. For example, if you're more focused on the natural sciences, introduce yourself to those in the social sciences, or if you're "behind the scenes" in parks and rec, see what occasional opportunities in interpretation or maintenance there might be, and vice versa. There's always something new happening in parks and recreation and the more you can speak across roles and be a key player, the more needed you will be. Also, for those starting out, this is a great way to figure out more specific professional passions. Supervisors are often encouraging of such development.