Agriculture & Environment Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Park Ranger Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median park ranger salary in Detroit, MI is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$37,400
vs State Avg
$-850
vs National
$-5,100
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median park ranger salary of $37,400, which is $850 below the Michigan state average of $38,250. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for park rangers in Detroit 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. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, 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 Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
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 Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$44,625
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$38,250
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$37,400
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$36,550
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Park Ranger in Detroit

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Detroit

Browse open park ranger positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Detroit

How much does a Park Ranger make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,400, a park ranger in Detroit earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Detroit's median park ranger salary of $37,400 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $38,250. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $37,400 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Detroit? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Detroit 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.