Agriculture & Environment Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Park Ranger Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median park ranger salary in Los Angeles, CA is $62,050 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$62,050
vs State Avg
+$3,400
vs National
+$19,550
Cost of Living
146%

Park Ranger Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median park ranger salary of $62,050, which is $3,400 above the California state average of $58,650. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $62,050 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Los Angeles spans from $40,880 at the 10th percentile to $105,120 at the 90th percentile — a $64,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,800, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,280. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level park ranger earns around $43,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,800
+$13,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,240
+$20,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,280
+$31,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $40,880
25th Percentile $49,640
Median (50th) $62,050
75th Percentile $84,680
90th Percentile $105,120

Park Ranger Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$77,350
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$71,400
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$60,350
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$50,150
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Park Ranger in Los Angeles

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open park ranger positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Park Ranger make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Los Angeles, California is $62,050 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $40,880 (10th percentile) to $105,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,050, a park ranger in Los Angeles earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median park ranger salary of $62,050 is 5.8% above the California state average of $58,650. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $62,050 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Los Angeles? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Conservation, Law Enforcement, Public Education, Wildlife Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.