Agriculture & Environment Santa Fe, NM Pop. 87,505

Park Ranger Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The median park ranger salary in Santa Fe, NM is $46,750 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$46,750
vs State Avg
+$7,225
vs National
+$4,250
Cost of Living
110%

Park Ranger Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)

Santa Fe offers a median park ranger salary of $46,750, which is $7,225 above the New Mexico state average of $39,525. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Santa Fe pays above average for this role.

Santa Fe's cost of living is 110% 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 Santa Fe spans from $30,800 at the 10th percentile to $79,200 at the 90th percentile — a $48,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,800. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Santa Fe by Experience

In Santa Fe, an entry-level park ranger earns around $33,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,000
+$3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,400
+$4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,800
+$6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM

Percentile Santa Fe
10th Percentile $30,800
25th Percentile $37,400
Median (50th) $46,750
75th Percentile $63,800
90th Percentile $79,200

Park Ranger Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Santa Fe

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Santa Fe

Browse open park ranger positions in Santa Fe, NM:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Santa Fe

How much does a Park Ranger make in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico is $46,750 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $30,800 (10th percentile) to $79,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Santa Fe? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,750, a park ranger in Santa Fe earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Santa Fe compare to the New Mexico state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Santa Fe's median park ranger salary of $46,750 is 18.3% above the New Mexico state average of $39,525. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
Santa Fe has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $46,750 in Santa Fe has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Santa Fe? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Santa Fe 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.