Agriculture & Environment Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Park Ranger Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median park ranger salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$37,400
vs State Avg
$-425
vs National
$-5,100
Cost of Living
88%

Park Ranger Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median park ranger salary of $37,400, which is $425 below the Iowa state average of $37,825. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $37,400 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Cedar Rapids spans from $24,640 at the 10th percentile to $63,360 at the 90th percentile — a $38,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,840. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level park ranger earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $24,640
25th Percentile $29,920
Median (50th) $37,400
75th Percentile $51,040
90th Percentile $63,360

Park Ranger Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$40,375
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$39,100
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$36,550
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$35,700
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Park Ranger in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open park ranger positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Park Ranger make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $63,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,400, a park ranger in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median park ranger salary of $37,400 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $37,825. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $37,400 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Cedar Rapids 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.