Agriculture & Environment Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Park Ranger Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median park ranger salary in Boulder, CO is $54,400 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$54,400
vs State Avg
+$9,775
vs National
+$11,900
Cost of Living
128%

Park Ranger Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median park ranger salary of $54,400, which is $9,775 above the Colorado state average of $44,625. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $54,400 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Boulder spans from $35,840 at the 10th percentile to $92,160 at the 90th percentile — a $56,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,040. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level park ranger earns around $38,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,400
+$8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,320
+$12,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,040
+$19,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $35,840
25th Percentile $43,520
Median (50th) $54,400
75th Percentile $74,240
90th Percentile $92,160

Park Ranger Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$47,600
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$45,050
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$44,625
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$42,500
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Park Ranger in Boulder

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado 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 Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Boulder

Browse open park ranger positions in Boulder, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Boulder

How much does a Park Ranger make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Boulder, Colorado is $54,400 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $35,840 (10th percentile) to $92,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,400, a park ranger in Boulder earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Boulder's median park ranger salary of $54,400 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $44,625. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $54,400 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Boulder? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Boulder 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.