Agriculture & Environment Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Park Ranger Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median park ranger salary in Indianapolis, IN is $39,525 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$39,525
vs State Avg
+$1,275
vs National
$-2,975
Cost of Living
93%

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

Indianapolis offers a median park ranger salary of $39,525, which is $1,275 above the Indiana state average of $38,250. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% 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 Indianapolis spans from $26,040 at the 10th percentile to $66,960 at the 90th percentile — a $40,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,900, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,240. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level park ranger earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,920
$-3,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,240
$-4,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $26,040
25th Percentile $31,620
Median (50th) $39,525
75th Percentile $53,940
90th Percentile $66,960

Park Ranger Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$44,625
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$36,125
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$35,700
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$35,275
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Park Ranger in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open park ranger positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Park Ranger make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $39,525 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $26,040 (10th percentile) to $66,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,525, a park ranger in Indianapolis earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median park ranger salary of $39,525 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $38,250. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $39,525 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Indianapolis? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Indianapolis 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.