Agriculture & Environment Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Park Ranger Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median park ranger salary in Chicago, IL is $45,475 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$45,475
vs State Avg
+$5,100
vs National
+$2,975
Cost of Living
107%

Park Ranger Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level park ranger earns around $32,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,080
+$3,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,760
+$4,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $29,960
25th Percentile $36,380
Median (50th) $45,475
75th Percentile $62,060
90th Percentile $77,040

Park Ranger Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$45,900
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$40,375
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$36,125
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$34,850
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Park Ranger in Chicago

Education

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