Agriculture & Environment Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Park Ranger Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median park ranger salary in Columbia, MO is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$37,400
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,100
Cost of Living
88%

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

Columbia offers a median park ranger salary of $37,400, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $37,400. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for park rangers in Columbia 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 126,254, 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 $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 Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
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 Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$39,100
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$38,250
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$36,125
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$34,850
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Park Ranger in Columbia

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri 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, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Columbia

How much does a Park Ranger make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,400, a park ranger in Columbia earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Columbia's median park ranger salary of $37,400 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $37,400. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $37,400 in Columbia has more 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.