Agriculture & Environment Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Park Ranger Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median park ranger salary in Missoula, MT is $43,350 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$43,350
vs State Avg
+$2,975
vs National
+$850
Cost of Living
102%

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

Missoula offers a median park ranger salary of $43,350, which is $2,975 above the Montana state average of $40,375. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for park rangers in Missoula spans from $28,560 at the 10th percentile to $73,440 at the 90th percentile — a $44,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,360. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level park ranger earns around $30,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,600
+$600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,880
+$880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,360
+$1,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $34,680
Median (50th) $43,350
75th Percentile $59,160
90th Percentile $73,440

Park Ranger Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Missoula

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Missoula

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Missoula

How much does a Park Ranger make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Missoula, Montana is $43,350 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $73,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,350, a park ranger in Missoula earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Missoula's median park ranger salary of $43,350 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $40,375. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $43,350 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Missoula? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Missoula 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.