Agriculture & Environment Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Park Ranger Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median park ranger salary in Springfield, IL is $36,125 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$36,125
vs State Avg
$-4,250
vs National
$-6,375
Cost of Living
85%

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

Springfield offers a median park ranger salary of $36,125, which is $4,250 below the Illinois state average of $40,375. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $36,125 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Springfield spans from $23,800 at the 10th percentile to $61,200 at the 90th percentile — a $37,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,500, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,800. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,800
$-10,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $23,800
25th Percentile $28,900
Median (50th) $36,125
75th Percentile $49,300
90th Percentile $61,200

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
Rockford, IL
$34,850
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Park Ranger in Springfield

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Springfield

Browse open park ranger positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Springfield

How much does a Park Ranger make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Springfield, Illinois is $36,125 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $23,800 (10th percentile) to $61,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,125, a park ranger in Springfield earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Springfield's median park ranger salary of $36,125 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $40,375. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $36,125 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Springfield? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Springfield 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.