Agriculture & Environment Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Park Ranger Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median park ranger salary in Kearney, NE is $36,550 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$36,550
vs State Avg
$-1,700
vs National
$-5,950
Cost of Living
86%

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

Kearney offers a median park ranger salary of $36,550, which is $1,700 below the Nebraska state average of $38,250. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $36,550 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Kearney spans from $24,080 at the 10th percentile to $61,920 at the 90th percentile — a $37,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,800, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,480. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,480
$-9,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $24,080
25th Percentile $29,240
Median (50th) $36,550
75th Percentile $49,880
90th Percentile $61,920

Park Ranger Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$39,525
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$39,100
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$38,250
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$35,700
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Park Ranger in Kearney

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Kearney

Browse open park ranger positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Kearney

How much does a Park Ranger make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $36,550 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $24,080 (10th percentile) to $61,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,550, a park ranger in Kearney earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Kearney's median park ranger salary of $36,550 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $38,250. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $36,550 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Kearney? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Kearney 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.