Agriculture & Environment Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Park Ranger Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median park ranger salary in Lafayette, LA is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$37,400
vs State Avg
$-1,275
vs National
$-5,100
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median park ranger salary of $37,400, which is $1,275 below the Louisiana state average of $38,675. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for park rangers in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
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 Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$41,650
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$39,100
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$36,550
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$36,125
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Park Ranger in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open park ranger positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Park Ranger make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,400, a park ranger in Lafayette earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Lafayette's median park ranger salary of $37,400 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $38,675. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $37,400 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Lafayette? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Lafayette 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.