Agriculture & Environment South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Park Ranger Salary in South Carolina

The median park ranger salary in South Carolina is $37,825 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $42,500.

Median Salary
$37,825
vs National
$-4,675
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Park Ranger Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for park ranger compensation. Park Ranger salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $37,825 per year, park rangers in South Carolina earn $4,675 less than the national median of $42,500.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $37,825 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $42,500 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: park rangers at the 10th percentile earn $24,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $64,080 — a $39,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $44,625.

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for park rangers across the country.

Park Ranger Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level park ranger earns around $26,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,520 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,160
$-4,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,520
$-7,480 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $37,825? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $24,920
25th Percentile $30,260
Median (50th) $37,825
75th Percentile $51,620
90th Percentile $64,080

Park Ranger Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for park rangers in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Park Ranger in South Carolina

Education

Most park ranger positions require a bachelor's degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, park ranger employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 36,500 other Park Rangers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Park Ranger Roles in South Carolina?

Get matched with recruiters hiring park rangers in South Carolina at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Park Ranger make in South Carolina? ▼
The median park ranger salary in South Carolina is $37,825 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $24,920 (10th percentile) to $64,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,825, a park ranger in South Carolina earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for park rangers? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for park ranger pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level park rangers earn $26,700, while senior professionals earn $60,520.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for park ranger salary? ▼
The highest paying state for park rangers is Hawaii at $72,250. South Carolina's median of $37,825 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($38,250) and Iowa ($37,825).
What is the entry-level park ranger salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level park ranger in South Carolina earns approximately $26,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $60,520.
What city in South Carolina pays park rangers the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for park rangers, with a median salary of $44,625. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.