Park Ranger Salary in Bowling Green, KY: $35,700 (2026)

Park Ranger Pay in Bowling Green: What to Expect (2026)

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

One of Bowling Green's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $35,700 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Bowling Green an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Bowling Green spans from $23,520 at the 10th percentile to $60,480 at the 90th percentile — a $36,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,120. Bowling Green is a smaller market (pop. 74,735), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Bowling Green by Experience

In Bowling Green, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$25,200

$-4,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$36,960

$-7,040 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$57,120

$-10,880 vs national

Percentile	Bowling Green	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$23,520	$24,360	$28,000
25th Percentile	$28,560	$29,580	$34,000
Median (50th)	$35,700	$36,975	$42,500
75th Percentile	$48,720	$50,460	$58,000
90th Percentile	$60,480	$62,640	$72,000

Percentile

Bowling Green

10th Percentile

$23,520

25th Percentile

$28,560

Median (50th)

$35,700

75th Percentile

$48,720

90th Percentile

$60,480

How to Become a Park Ranger in Bowling Green

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Bowling Green

How much does a Park Ranger make in Bowling Green, KY? ▼

The median park ranger salary in Bowling Green, Kentucky is $35,700 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $23,520 (10th percentile) to $60,480 (90th percentile).

How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Bowling Green? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $35,700, a park ranger in Bowling Green earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bowling Green compare to the Kentucky state average for park ranger pay? ▼

Bowling Green's median park ranger salary of $35,700 is 3.4% below the Kentucky state average of $36,975. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bowling Green, KY? ▼

Bowling Green has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $35,700 in Bowling Green has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most park ranger positions in Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green, Kentucky