Agriculture & Environment South Bend, IN Pop. 103,453

Park Ranger Salary in South Bend, Indiana

The median park ranger salary in South Bend, IN is $35,275 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 7.8% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$35,275
vs State Avg
$-2,975
vs National
$-7,225
Cost of Living
83%

Park Ranger Pay in South Bend: What to Expect (2026)

South Bend offers a median park ranger salary of $35,275, which is $2,975 below the Indiana state average of $38,250. Compared to the national median of $42,500, South Bend pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of South Bend's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $35,275 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes South Bend an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in South Bend spans from $23,240 at the 10th percentile to $59,760 at the 90th percentile — a $36,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,900, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,440. With a population of 103,453, South Bend is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in South Bend by Experience

In South Bend, an entry-level park ranger earns around $24,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,900
$-5,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,520
$-7,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,440
$-11,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Bend, IN

Percentile South Bend
10th Percentile $23,240
25th Percentile $28,220
Median (50th) $35,275
75th Percentile $48,140
90th Percentile $59,760

Park Ranger Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$44,625
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$39,525
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$36,125
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$35,700
Pop. 117,429

How to Become a Park Ranger in South Bend

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in South Bend

Browse open park ranger positions in South Bend, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in South Bend

How much does a Park Ranger make in South Bend, IN? ▼
The median park ranger salary in South Bend, Indiana is $35,275 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $23,240 (10th percentile) to $59,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in South Bend? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,275, a park ranger in South Bend earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Bend compare to the Indiana state average for park ranger pay? ▼
South Bend's median park ranger salary of $35,275 is 7.8% below the Indiana state average of $38,250. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Bend, IN? ▼
South Bend has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $35,275 in South Bend has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in South Bend? ▼
Most park ranger positions in South Bend 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.