Agriculture & Environment Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Park Ranger Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median park ranger salary in Denver, CO is $47,600 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$47,600
vs State Avg
+$2,975
vs National
+$5,100
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median park ranger salary of $47,600, which is $2,975 above the Colorado state average of $44,625. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $47,600 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Denver spans from $31,360 at the 10th percentile to $80,640 at the 90th percentile — a $49,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,160. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level park ranger earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
+$3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
+$5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,160
+$8,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $31,360
25th Percentile $38,080
Median (50th) $47,600
75th Percentile $64,960
90th Percentile $80,640

Park Ranger Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$54,400
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Denver

Browse open park ranger positions in Denver, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Denver

How much does a Park Ranger make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Denver, Colorado is $47,600 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $31,360 (10th percentile) to $80,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,600, a park ranger in Denver earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Denver's median park ranger salary of $47,600 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $44,625. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $47,600 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Denver? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Denver 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.