Park Ranger Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $36,550 (2026)

Park Ranger Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median park ranger salary of $36,550, which is $2,550 below the North Carolina state average of $39,100. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $36,550 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Winston-Salem spans from $24,080 at the 10th percentile to $61,920 at the 90th percentile — a $37,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,800, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,480. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$25,800

$-4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$37,840

$-6,160 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$58,480

$-9,520 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$24,080	$25,760	$28,000
25th Percentile	$29,240	$31,280	$34,000
Median (50th)	$36,550	$39,100	$42,500
75th Percentile	$49,880	$53,360	$58,000
90th Percentile	$61,920	$66,240	$72,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$24,080

25th Percentile

$29,240

Median (50th)

$36,550

75th Percentile

$49,880

90th Percentile

$61,920

How to Become a Park Ranger in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Park Ranger make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median park ranger salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $36,550 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $24,080 (10th percentile) to $61,920 (90th percentile).

How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $36,550, a park ranger in Winston-Salem earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for park ranger pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median park ranger salary of $36,550 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $39,100. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $36,550 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most park ranger positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina