Agriculture & Environment Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Park Ranger Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median park ranger salary in Erie, PA is $35,700 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$35,700
vs State Avg
$-5,100
vs National
$-6,800
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median park ranger salary of $35,700, which is $5,100 below the Pennsylvania state average of $40,800. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $35,700 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Erie spans from $23,520 at the 10th percentile to $60,480 at the 90th percentile — a $36,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,120. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level park ranger earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,960
$-7,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $23,520
25th Percentile $28,560
Median (50th) $35,700
75th Percentile $48,720
90th Percentile $60,480

Park Ranger Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$43,350
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$39,950
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$39,525
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$37,400
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Park Ranger in Erie

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Erie

Browse open park ranger positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Erie

How much does a Park Ranger make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $35,700 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $23,520 (10th percentile) to $60,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,700, a park ranger in Erie earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Erie's median park ranger salary of $35,700 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $40,800. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $35,700 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Erie? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Erie 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.