Park Ranger Salary in Bismarck, ND: $38,250 (2026)

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

Bismarck offers a median park ranger salary of $38,250, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $38,250. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck's cost of living is 90% 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 Bismarck spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $64,800 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level park ranger earns around $27,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Percentile	Bismarck	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$25,200	$25,200	$28,000
25th Percentile	$30,600	$30,600	$34,000
Median (50th)	$38,250	$38,250	$42,500
75th Percentile	$52,200	$52,200	$58,000
90th Percentile	$64,800	$64,800	$72,000

Percentile

Bismarck

10th Percentile

$25,200

25th Percentile

$30,600

Median (50th)

$38,250

75th Percentile

$52,200

90th Percentile

$64,800

How to Become a Park Ranger in Bismarck

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Park Ranger make in Bismarck, ND? ▼

The median park ranger salary in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $38,250, a park ranger in Bismarck earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for park ranger pay? ▼

Bismarck's median park ranger salary of $38,250 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $38,250. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼

Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $38,250 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Bismarck? ▼

Most park ranger positions in Bismarck 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 Bismarck, North Dakota