Agriculture & Environment Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Park Ranger Salary in Montana

The median park ranger salary in Montana is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $42,500.

Median Salary
$40,375
vs National
$-2,125
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Park Ranger Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for park ranger compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for park ranger pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $40,375 per year, park rangers in Montana earn $2,125 less than the national median of $42,500.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning park ranger salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: park rangers at the 10th percentile earn $26,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,400 — a $41,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $48,875.

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for park rangers across the country.

Park Ranger Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level park ranger earns around $28,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,600 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,500
$-1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,600
$-3,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $26,600
25th Percentile $32,300
Median (50th) $40,375
75th Percentile $55,100
90th Percentile $68,400

Park Ranger Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for park rangers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Park Ranger in Montana

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Montana

How much does a Park Ranger make in Montana? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Montana is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $26,600 (10th percentile) to $68,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,375, a park ranger in Montana earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for park rangers? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for park ranger pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level park rangers earn $28,500, while senior professionals earn $64,600.
How does Montana compare to other states for park ranger salary? ▼
The highest paying state for park rangers is Hawaii at $72,250. Montana's median of $40,375 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($40,800) and Illinois ($40,375).
What is the entry-level park ranger salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level park ranger in Montana earns approximately $28,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,600.
What city in Montana pays park rangers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for park rangers, with a median salary of $48,875. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.