Agriculture & Environment Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Park Ranger Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median park ranger salary in Columbia, MD is $50,150 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$50,150
vs State Avg
+$3,400
vs National
+$7,650
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median park ranger salary of $50,150, which is $3,400 above the Maryland state average of $46,750. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $50,150 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Columbia spans from $33,040 at the 10th percentile to $84,960 at the 90th percentile — a $51,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,240. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level park ranger earns around $35,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,400
+$5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,920
+$7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,240
+$12,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $33,040
25th Percentile $40,120
Median (50th) $50,150
75th Percentile $68,440
90th Percentile $84,960

Park Ranger Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$51,850
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$48,875
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$45,900
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$44,625
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Park Ranger in Columbia

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Columbia

Browse open park ranger positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Columbia

How much does a Park Ranger make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Columbia, Maryland is $50,150 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $33,040 (10th percentile) to $84,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,150, a park ranger in Columbia earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Columbia's median park ranger salary of $50,150 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $46,750. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $50,150 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Columbia? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Columbia 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.