Agriculture & Environment Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Park Ranger Salary in Colorado

The median park ranger salary in Colorado is $44,625 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $42,500.

Median Salary
$44,625
vs National
+$2,125
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Park Ranger Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for park ranger compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for park ranger pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $44,625 per year, park rangers in Colorado earn $2,125 more than the national median of $42,500.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning park ranger salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: park rangers at the 10th percentile earn $29,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $75,600 — a $46,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $54,400.

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 Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level park ranger earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,400 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
+$1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,200
+$2,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,400
+$3,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $35,700
Median (50th) $44,625
75th Percentile $60,900
90th Percentile $75,600

Park Ranger Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for park rangers in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Park Ranger in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Colorado

How much does a Park Ranger make in Colorado? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Colorado is $44,625 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $75,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,625, a park ranger in Colorado earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for park rangers? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for park ranger pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level park rangers earn $31,500, while senior professionals earn $71,400.
How does Colorado compare to other states for park ranger salary? ▼
The highest paying state for park rangers is Hawaii at $72,250. Colorado's median of $44,625 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($46,750) and Oregon ($46,750).
What is the entry-level park ranger salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level park ranger in Colorado earns approximately $31,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,400.
What city in Colorado pays park rangers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for park rangers, with a median salary of $54,400. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.