Agriculture & Environment San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Park Ranger Salary in San Francisco, California

The median park ranger salary in San Francisco, CA is $77,350 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$77,350
vs State Avg
+$18,700
vs National
+$34,850
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median park ranger salary of $77,350, which is $18,700 above the California state average of $58,650. Compared to the national median of $42,500, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $77,350 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in San Francisco spans from $50,960 at the 10th percentile to $131,040 at the 90th percentile — a $80,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,760. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level park ranger earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
+$24,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,080
+$36,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,760
+$55,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $50,960
25th Percentile $61,880
Median (50th) $77,350
75th Percentile $105,560
90th Percentile $131,040

Park Ranger Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in San Francisco

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Park Ranger make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in San Francisco, California is $77,350 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $50,960 (10th percentile) to $131,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,350, a park ranger in San Francisco earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for park ranger pay? ▼
San Francisco's median park ranger salary of $77,350 is 31.9% above the California state average of $58,650. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $77,350 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most park ranger positions in San Francisco 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.