Agriculture & Environment Indiana (IN) Rank #34 of 50

Park Ranger Salary in Indiana

The median park ranger salary in Indiana is $38,250 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,500.

Median Salary
$38,250
vs National
$-4,250
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Park Ranger Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for park ranger compensation. Park Ranger salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $38,250 per year, park rangers in Indiana earn $4,250 less than the national median of $42,500.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $38,250 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $42,500 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: park rangers at the 10th percentile earn $25,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $64,800 — a $39,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Indiana for this role is Carmel, where the median reaches $44,625.

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for park rangers across the country.

Park Ranger Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level park ranger earns around $27,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $38,250? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $25,200
25th Percentile $30,600
Median (50th) $38,250
75th Percentile $52,200
90th Percentile $64,800

Park Ranger Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for park rangers in Indiana include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Park Ranger in Indiana

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. Indiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 36,500 other Park Rangers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Park Ranger Roles in Indiana?

Get matched with recruiters hiring park rangers in Indiana at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Indiana

How much does a Park Ranger make in Indiana? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Indiana is $38,250 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $64,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,250, a park ranger in Indiana earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for park rangers? ▼
Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for park ranger pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level park rangers earn $27,000, while senior professionals earn $61,200.
How does Indiana compare to other states for park ranger salary? ▼
The highest paying state for park rangers is Hawaii at $72,250. Indiana's median of $38,250 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($39,100) and Louisiana ($38,675).
What is the entry-level park ranger salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level park ranger in Indiana earns approximately $27,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $61,200.
What city in Indiana pays park rangers the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for park rangers, with a median salary of $44,625. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.