Park Ranger Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $37,400 (2026)

Park Ranger Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median park ranger salary of $37,400, which is $850 below the North Dakota state average of $38,250. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Grand Forks pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Forks's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $37,400 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Grand Forks spans from $24,640 at the 10th percentile to $63,360 at the 90th percentile — a $38,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,840. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level park ranger earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$26,400

$-3,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$38,720

$-5,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$59,840

$-8,160 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$24,640	$25,200	$28,000
25th Percentile	$29,920	$30,600	$34,000
Median (50th)	$37,400	$38,250	$42,500
75th Percentile	$51,040	$52,200	$58,000
90th Percentile	$63,360	$64,800	$72,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$24,640

25th Percentile

$29,920

Median (50th)

$37,400

75th Percentile

$51,040

90th Percentile

$63,360

How to Become a Park Ranger in Grand Forks

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median park ranger salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $63,360 (90th percentile).

How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $37,400, a park ranger in Grand Forks earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median park ranger salary of $37,400 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $38,250. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Forks, ND? ▼

Grand Forks has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $37,400 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most park ranger positions in Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks, North Dakota