Agriculture & Environment Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Park Ranger Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median park ranger salary in Independence, MO is $36,125 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$36,125
vs State Avg
$-1,275
vs National
$-6,375
Cost of Living
85%

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

Independence offers a median park ranger salary of $36,125, which is $1,275 below the Missouri state average of $37,400. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $36,125 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Independence spans from $23,800 at the 10th percentile to $61,200 at the 90th percentile — a $37,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,500, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,800. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,800
$-10,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $23,800
25th Percentile $28,900
Median (50th) $36,125
75th Percentile $49,300
90th Percentile $61,200

Park Ranger Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$39,100
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$38,250
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$37,400
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$34,850
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Park Ranger in Independence

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Independence

Browse open park ranger positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Independence

How much does a Park Ranger make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Independence, Missouri is $36,125 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $23,800 (10th percentile) to $61,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,125, a park ranger in Independence earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Independence's median park ranger salary of $36,125 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $37,400. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $36,125 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Independence? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Independence 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.