Agriculture & Environment Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Park Ranger Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median park ranger salary in Silver Spring, MD is $51,850 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$51,850
vs State Avg
+$5,100
vs National
+$9,350
Cost of Living
122%

Park Ranger Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median park ranger salary of $51,850, which is $5,100 above the Maryland state average of $46,750. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $51,850 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Silver Spring spans from $34,160 at the 10th percentile to $87,840 at the 90th percentile — a $53,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,960. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level park ranger earns around $36,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,600
+$6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,680
+$9,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,960
+$14,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $34,160
25th Percentile $41,480
Median (50th) $51,850
75th Percentile $70,760
90th Percentile $87,840

Park Ranger Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$50,150
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open park ranger positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Park Ranger make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $51,850 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $34,160 (10th percentile) to $87,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,850, a park ranger in Silver Spring earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median park ranger salary of $51,850 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $46,750. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $51,850 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Silver Spring? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Silver Spring 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.