Agriculture & Environment Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Park Ranger Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median park ranger salary in Rockford, IL is $34,850 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$34,850
vs State Avg
$-5,525
vs National
$-7,650
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median park ranger salary of $34,850, which is $5,525 below the Illinois state average of $40,375. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $34,850 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Rockford spans from $22,960 at the 10th percentile to $59,040 at the 90th percentile — a $36,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,760. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level park ranger earns around $24,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,760
$-12,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $22,960
25th Percentile $27,880
Median (50th) $34,850
75th Percentile $47,560
90th Percentile $59,040

Park Ranger Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$45,900
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$45,475
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$40,375
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$36,125
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Park Ranger in Rockford

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Rockford

Browse open park ranger positions in Rockford, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Rockford

How much does a Park Ranger make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Rockford, Illinois is $34,850 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $22,960 (10th percentile) to $59,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,850, a park ranger in Rockford earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Rockford's median park ranger salary of $34,850 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $40,375. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $34,850 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Rockford? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Rockford 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.