Agriculture & Environment Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Park Ranger Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median park ranger salary in Columbus, GA is $36,550 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$36,550
vs State Avg
$-2,975
vs National
$-5,950
Cost of Living
86%

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

Columbus offers a median park ranger salary of $36,550, which is $2,975 below the Georgia state average of $39,525. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $36,550 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Columbus spans from $24,080 at the 10th percentile to $61,920 at the 90th percentile — a $37,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,800, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,480. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,480
$-9,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $24,080
25th Percentile $29,240
Median (50th) $36,550
75th Percentile $49,880
90th Percentile $61,920

Park Ranger Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$43,350
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$39,100
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$38,250
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$37,400
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Park Ranger in Columbus

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Columbus

Browse open park ranger positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Columbus

How much does a Park Ranger make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Columbus, Georgia is $36,550 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $24,080 (10th percentile) to $61,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,550, a park ranger in Columbus earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Columbus's median park ranger salary of $36,550 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $39,525. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $36,550 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Columbus? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Columbus 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.