Agriculture & Environment Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Park Ranger Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median park ranger salary in Portland, OR is $50,150 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$50,150
vs State Avg
+$3,400
vs National
+$7,650
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median park ranger salary of $50,150, which is $3,400 above the Oregon state average of $46,750. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $50,150 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Portland spans from $33,040 at the 10th percentile to $84,960 at the 90th percentile — a $51,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,240. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level park ranger earns around $35,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,400
+$5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,920
+$7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,240
+$12,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $33,040
25th Percentile $40,120
Median (50th) $50,150
75th Percentile $68,440
90th Percentile $84,960

Park Ranger Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$47,600
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$45,900
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$44,625
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$43,350
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Park Ranger in Portland

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Portland

Browse open park ranger positions in Portland, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Portland

How much does a Park Ranger make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Portland, Oregon is $50,150 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $33,040 (10th percentile) to $84,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,150, a park ranger in Portland earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Portland's median park ranger salary of $50,150 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $46,750. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $50,150 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Portland? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Portland 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.