Park Ranger Salary in New York City, NY: $79,475 (2026)

Park Ranger Pay in New York City: What to Expect (2026)

New York City offers a median park ranger salary of $79,475, which is $27,625 above the New York state average of $51,850. Compared to the national median of $42,500, New York City pays above average for this role.

However, New York City's cost of living index is 187%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $79,475 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in New York City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in New York City spans from $52,360 at the 10th percentile to $134,640 at the 90th percentile — a $82,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,100, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,160. As a major metro area with a population of 8,336,817, New York City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in New York City by Experience

In New York City, an entry-level park ranger earns around $56,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$56,100

+$26,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,280

+$38,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$127,160

+$59,160 vs national

Percentile	New York City	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$52,360	$34,160	$28,000
25th Percentile	$63,580	$41,480	$34,000
Median (50th)	$79,475	$51,850	$42,500
75th Percentile	$108,460	$70,760	$58,000
90th Percentile	$134,640	$87,840	$72,000

Percentile

New York City

10th Percentile

$52,360

25th Percentile

$63,580

Median (50th)

$79,475

75th Percentile

$108,460

90th Percentile

$134,640

How to Become a Park Ranger in New York City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in New York City

How much does a Park Ranger make in New York City, NY? ▼

The median park ranger salary in New York City, New York is $79,475 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $52,360 (10th percentile) to $134,640 (90th percentile).

How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in New York City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $79,475, a park ranger in New York City earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does New York City compare to the New York state average for park ranger pay? ▼

New York City's median park ranger salary of $79,475 is 53.3% above the New York state average of $51,850. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in New York City, NY? ▼

New York City has a cost of living index of 187% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $79,475 in New York City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in New York City? ▼

Most park ranger positions in New York City 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.

Park Ranger Salary in New York City, New York