Agriculture & Environment Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Park Ranger Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median park ranger salary in Owensboro, KY is $34,850 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$34,850
vs State Avg
$-2,125
vs National
$-7,650
Cost of Living
82%

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

Owensboro offers a median park ranger salary of $34,850, which is $2,125 below the Kentucky state average of $36,975. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $34,850 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Owensboro spans from $22,960 at the 10th percentile to $59,040 at the 90th percentile — a $36,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,760. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level park ranger earns around $24,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,760
$-12,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $22,960
25th Percentile $27,880
Median (50th) $34,850
75th Percentile $47,560
90th Percentile $59,040

Park Ranger Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$39,525
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$39,100
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$37,400
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$35,700
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Park Ranger in Owensboro

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open park ranger positions in Owensboro, KY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Park Ranger make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $34,850 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $22,960 (10th percentile) to $59,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,850, a park ranger in Owensboro earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Owensboro's median park ranger salary of $34,850 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $36,975. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $34,850 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Owensboro? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Owensboro 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.