Agriculture & Environment Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Park Ranger Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median park ranger salary in Iowa City, IA is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$40,375
vs State Avg
+$2,550
vs National
$-2,125
Cost of Living
95%

Park Ranger Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median park ranger salary of $40,375, which is $2,550 above the Iowa state average of $37,825. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $26,600 at the 10th percentile to $68,400 at the 90th percentile — a $41,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,500, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,600. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level park ranger earns around $28,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,500
$-1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,600
$-3,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $26,600
25th Percentile $32,300
Median (50th) $40,375
75th Percentile $55,100
90th Percentile $68,400

Park Ranger Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Iowa City

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open park ranger positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Park Ranger make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $26,600 (10th percentile) to $68,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,375, a park ranger in Iowa City earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Iowa City's median park ranger salary of $40,375 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $37,825. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $40,375 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Iowa City? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Iowa City 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.