Agriculture & Environment Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Park Ranger Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median park ranger salary in Aurora, IL is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$40,375
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-2,125
Cost of Living
95%

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

Aurora offers a median park ranger salary of $40,375, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $40,375. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for park rangers in Aurora spans from $26,600 at the 10th percentile to $68,400 at the 90th percentile — a $41,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,500, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,600. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level park ranger earns around $28,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,500
$-1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,600
$-3,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $26,600
25th Percentile $32,300
Median (50th) $40,375
75th Percentile $55,100
90th Percentile $68,400

Park Ranger Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Aurora

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Aurora

Browse open park ranger positions in Aurora, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Aurora

How much does a Park Ranger make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Aurora, Illinois is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $26,600 (10th percentile) to $68,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,375, a park ranger in Aurora earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Aurora's median park ranger salary of $40,375 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $40,375. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $40,375 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Aurora? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Aurora 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.