Agriculture & Environment Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Park Ranger Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median park ranger salary in Salem, OR is $43,350 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$43,350
vs State Avg
$-3,400
vs National
+$850
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median park ranger salary of $43,350, which is $3,400 below the Oregon state average of $46,750. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $28,560 at the 10th percentile to $73,440 at the 90th percentile — a $44,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,360. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level park ranger earns around $30,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,600
+$600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,880
+$880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,360
+$1,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $34,680
Median (50th) $43,350
75th Percentile $59,160
90th Percentile $73,440

Park Ranger Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Salem

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Salem

Browse open park ranger positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Salem

How much does a Park Ranger make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Salem, Oregon is $43,350 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $73,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,350, a park ranger in Salem earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Salem's median park ranger salary of $43,350 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $46,750. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $43,350 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Salem? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Salem 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.