Agriculture & Environment San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Park Ranger Salary in San Diego, California

The median park ranger salary in San Diego, CA is $60,350 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$60,350
vs State Avg
+$1,700
vs National
+$17,850
Cost of Living
142%

Park Ranger Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median park ranger salary of $60,350, which is $1,700 above the California state average of $58,650. Compared to the national median of $42,500, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $60,350 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in San Diego spans from $39,760 at the 10th percentile to $102,240 at the 90th percentile — a $62,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,560. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level park ranger earns around $42,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,600
+$12,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,480
+$18,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,560
+$28,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $39,760
25th Percentile $48,280
Median (50th) $60,350
75th Percentile $82,360
90th Percentile $102,240

Park Ranger Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$77,350
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$71,400
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$62,050
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$50,150
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Park Ranger in San Diego

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Park Ranger Jobs in San Diego

Browse open park ranger positions in San Diego, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in San Diego

How much does a Park Ranger make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in San Diego, California is $60,350 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $39,760 (10th percentile) to $102,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,350, a park ranger in San Diego earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for park ranger pay? ▼
San Diego's median park ranger salary of $60,350 is 2.9% above the California state average of $58,650. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $60,350 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in San Diego? ▼
Most park ranger positions in San Diego 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.