Agriculture & Environment Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Park Ranger Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median park ranger salary in Raleigh, NC is $41,650 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$41,650
vs State Avg
+$2,550
vs National
$-850
Cost of Living
98%

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

Raleigh offers a median park ranger salary of $41,650, which is $2,550 above the North Carolina state average of $39,100. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $27,440 at the 10th percentile to $70,560 at the 90th percentile — a $43,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,640. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level park ranger earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,120
$-880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,640
$-1,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $27,440
25th Percentile $33,320
Median (50th) $41,650
75th Percentile $56,840
90th Percentile $70,560

Park Ranger Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Raleigh

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open park ranger positions in Raleigh, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Park Ranger make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $41,650 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $27,440 (10th percentile) to $70,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,650, a park ranger in Raleigh earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Raleigh's median park ranger salary of $41,650 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $39,100. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $41,650 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Raleigh? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Raleigh 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.