Agriculture & Environment Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Park Ranger Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median park ranger salary in Albuquerque, NM is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$40,375
vs State Avg
+$850
vs National
$-2,125
Cost of Living
95%

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

Albuquerque offers a median park ranger salary of $40,375, which is $850 above the New Mexico state average of $39,525. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $26,600 at the 10th percentile to $68,400 at the 90th percentile — a $41,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,500, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,600. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level park ranger earns around $28,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,600 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

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

Park Ranger Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$46,750
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$39,100
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$37,400
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$34,850
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Park Ranger in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open park ranger positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Park Ranger make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,375, a park ranger in Albuquerque earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median park ranger salary of $40,375 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $39,525. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $40,375 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Albuquerque? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Albuquerque 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.