Agriculture & Environment North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Park Ranger Salary in North Dakota

The median park ranger salary in North Dakota is $38,250 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,500.

Median Salary
$38,250
vs National
$-4,250
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Park Ranger Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for park ranger compensation. Park Ranger salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $38,250 per year, park rangers in North Dakota earn $4,250 less than the national median of $42,500.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $38,250 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $42,500 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: park rangers at the 10th percentile earn $25,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $64,800 — a $39,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $39,950.

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for park rangers across the country.

Park Ranger Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level park ranger earns around $27,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $25,200
25th Percentile $30,600
Median (50th) $38,250
75th Percentile $52,200
90th Percentile $64,800

Park Ranger Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for park rangers in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Park Ranger in North Dakota

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Park Ranger make in North Dakota? ▼
The median park ranger salary in North Dakota is $38,250 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $64,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,250, a park ranger in North Dakota earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for park rangers? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for park ranger pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level park rangers earn $27,000, while senior professionals earn $61,200.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for park ranger salary? ▼
The highest paying state for park rangers is Hawaii at $72,250. North Dakota's median of $38,250 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($38,250) and Nebraska ($38,250).
What is the entry-level park ranger salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level park ranger in North Dakota earns approximately $27,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $61,200.
What city in North Dakota pays park rangers the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for park rangers, with a median salary of $39,950. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.