Agriculture & Environment Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Park Ranger Salary in Arkansas

The median park ranger salary in Arkansas is $35,700 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $42,500.

Median Salary
$35,700
vs National
$-6,800
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Park Ranger Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for park ranger compensation. Park Ranger salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $35,700 per year, park rangers in Arkansas earn $6,800 less than the national median of $42,500.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $35,700 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $42,500 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: park rangers at the 10th percentile earn $23,520, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $60,480 — a $36,960 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $37,400.

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 Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,120 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,960
$-7,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $23,520
25th Percentile $28,560
Median (50th) $35,700
75th Percentile $48,720
90th Percentile $60,480

Park Ranger Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for park rangers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Park Ranger in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook in Arkansas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Park Ranger make in Arkansas? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Arkansas is $35,700 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $23,520 (10th percentile) to $60,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,700, a park ranger in Arkansas earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for park rangers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for park ranger pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level park rangers earn $25,200, while senior professionals earn $57,120.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for park ranger salary? ▼
The highest paying state for park rangers is Hawaii at $72,250. Arkansas's median of $35,700 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($36,975) and Oklahoma ($36,550).
What is the entry-level park ranger salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level park ranger in Arkansas earns approximately $25,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $36,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $57,120.
What city in Arkansas pays park rangers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for park rangers, with a median salary of $37,400. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.