Agriculture & Environment Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Park Ranger Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median park ranger salary in Paterson, NJ is $44,625 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$44,625
vs State Avg
$-4,250
vs National
+$2,125
Cost of Living
105%

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

Paterson offers a median park ranger salary of $44,625, which is $4,250 below the New Jersey state average of $48,875. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $29,400 at the 10th percentile to $75,600 at the 90th percentile — a $46,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,400. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level park ranger earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
+$1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,200
+$2,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,400
+$3,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $35,700
Median (50th) $44,625
75th Percentile $60,900
90th Percentile $75,600

Park Ranger Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Paterson

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Paterson

Browse open park ranger positions in Paterson, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Paterson

How much does a Park Ranger make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $44,625 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $75,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,625, a park ranger in Paterson earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Paterson's median park ranger salary of $44,625 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $48,875. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $44,625 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Paterson? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Paterson 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.