Agriculture & Environment Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Park Ranger Salary in Alaska

The median park ranger salary in Alaska is $52,700 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $42,500.

Median Salary
$52,700
vs National
+$10,200
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Park Ranger Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for park ranger compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for park rangers seeking high pay. At $52,700 per year, park rangers in Alaska earn $10,200 more than the national median of $42,500.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $52,700 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $42,500.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: park rangers at the 10th percentile earn $34,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $89,280 — a $54,560 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $57,375.

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for park rangers across the country.

Park Ranger Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level park ranger earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,320 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,200
+$7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,560
+$10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,320
+$16,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $34,720
25th Percentile $42,160
Median (50th) $52,700
75th Percentile $71,920
90th Percentile $89,280

Park Ranger Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for park rangers in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Park Ranger in Alaska

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Alaska

How much does a Park Ranger make in Alaska? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Alaska is $52,700 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $34,720 (10th percentile) to $89,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,700, a park ranger in Alaska earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for park rangers? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for park ranger pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level park rangers earn $37,200, while senior professionals earn $84,320.
How does Alaska compare to other states for park ranger salary? ▼
The highest paying state for park rangers is Hawaii at $72,250. Alaska's median of $52,700 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($58,650) and Massachusetts ($57,375).
What is the entry-level park ranger salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level park ranger in Alaska earns approximately $37,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,320.
What city in Alaska pays park rangers the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for park rangers, with a median salary of $57,375. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.