Park Ranger Salary in Topeka, KS: $35,275 (2026)

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

Topeka offers a median park ranger salary of $35,275, which is $1,700 below the Kansas state average of $36,975. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka'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 Topeka an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Topeka 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 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, 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

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$23,240	$24,360	$28,000
25th Percentile	$28,220	$29,580	$34,000
Median (50th)	$35,275	$36,975	$42,500
75th Percentile	$48,140	$50,460	$58,000
90th Percentile	$59,760	$62,640	$72,000

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$23,240

25th Percentile

$28,220

Median (50th)

$35,275

75th Percentile

$48,140

90th Percentile

$59,760

How to Become a Park Ranger in Topeka

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Topeka

How much does a Park Ranger make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median park ranger salary in Topeka, Kansas 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 Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $35,275, a park ranger in Topeka earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for park ranger pay? ▼

Topeka's median park ranger salary of $35,275 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $36,975. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼

Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $35,275 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Topeka? ▼

Most park ranger positions in Topeka 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.

Park Ranger Salary in Topeka, Kansas