Agriculture & Environment Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Park Ranger Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median park ranger salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $39,100 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$39,100
vs State Avg
$-425
vs National
$-3,400
Cost of Living
92%

Park Ranger Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median park ranger salary of $39,100, which is $425 below the New Mexico state average of $39,525. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $25,760 at the 10th percentile to $66,240 at the 90th percentile — a $40,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,560. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level park ranger earns around $27,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,480
$-3,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,560
$-5,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $25,760
25th Percentile $31,280
Median (50th) $39,100
75th Percentile $53,360
90th Percentile $66,240

Park Ranger Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Rio Rancho

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Rio Rancho

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Park Ranger make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $39,100 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $25,760 (10th percentile) to $66,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,100, a park ranger in Rio Rancho earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median park ranger salary of $39,100 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $39,525. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $39,100 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Rio Rancho 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.