How hard is it to become a texas ranger?

Becoming a Texas Ranger is quite challenging due to the rigorous selection process and the high standards of qualifications required. The journey to become a Texas Ranger is not an easy one. The Texas Ranger Division, also known as the Texas Rangers, is a U.S. statewide investigative law enforcement agency and is one of the oldest among North America's police agencies. The process to become a ranger includes several stages, which include initial law enforcement experience, meeting minimum qualifications, passing a competitive application process, undergoing a thorough background investigation, and completing intensive training.

How To Become A Ranger: What It Is and Career Path

What is a ranger and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Dr. Elizabeth Perry Ph.D.

This personnel is accountable for the protection and conservation of forests, woodlands, and conservatories. He/She protects the natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystem within a national park and the visitors. He/She takes visitors on tour around the park to provide valuable information and highlight its features. Additionally, he/she may organize illustrative talks to enlighten visitors on the natural and historical significance of the park. Moreover, he/she works with park staff to set schedules for park programs. Asides from that, he/she performs emergency care, animal care, and park maintenance.

To become a ranger, you need a bachelor's degree in a science field like forestry, botany, or environmental sciences. You will be required to pass the Group VI law enforcement and investigation examination. You must have prior experience in law enforcement. Communication, organization, and problem-solving skills are important for this position. The salary of a ranger varies from $32,912 to $41,912, with an average annual salary of $37,043.

What general advice would you give to a Ranger?

Dr. Elizabeth Perry Ph.D.

Assistant Professor in Protected Areas and Natural Resources Recreation Management, Michigan State University

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.

ScoreRangerUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,117

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

10.0

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.09%

Asian 3.32%

Black or African American 10.92%

Hispanic or Latino 15.36%

Unknown 4.74%

White 64.57%

Gender

female 26.38%

male 73.62%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress Level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.0

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become a ranger

Explore ranger education requirements

Most common ranger degrees

Bachelor's

58.2 %

Associate

19.3 %

High School Diploma

13.4 %

Start to develop specific ranger skills

Skills	Percentages
Patrol	20.97%
Customer Service	12.24%
Reservations	7.80%
Law Enforcement	6.50%
Natural Resource Management	6.27%

Complete relevant ranger training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New rangers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a ranger based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real ranger resumes.

Research ranger duties and responsibilities

Lead team providing cargo, personal property and passenger movements for DoD personnel.
Evaluate students on leadership, time management, organization and ability to accomplish missions.
Operate and inspect backpack blowers, pressure washers, and motor utility vehicles.
Respond to medical emergencies, assist with firefighting and search and rescue operations, and operate ranger stations.

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