Agriculture & Environment Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Park Ranger Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median park ranger salary in Columbus, OH is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$40,375
vs State Avg
+$2,125
vs National
$-2,125
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median park ranger salary of $40,375, which is $2,125 above the Ohio state average of $38,250. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% 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 Columbus spans from $26,600 at the 10th percentile to $68,400 at the 90th percentile — a $41,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,500, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,600. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level park ranger earns around $28,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,500
$-1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,600
$-3,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $26,600
25th Percentile $32,300
Median (50th) $40,375
75th Percentile $55,100
90th Percentile $68,400

Park Ranger Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Columbus

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Columbus

Browse open park ranger positions in Columbus, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Columbus

How much does a Park Ranger make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Columbus, Ohio is $40,375 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $26,600 (10th percentile) to $68,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,375, a park ranger in Columbus earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Columbus's median park ranger salary of $40,375 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $38,250. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $40,375 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Columbus? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Columbus 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.