Agriculture & Environment Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Park Ranger Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median park ranger salary in Charleston, SC is $42,500 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$42,500
vs State Avg
+$4,675
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median park ranger salary of $42,500, which is $4,675 above the South Carolina state average of $37,825. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $28,000 at the 10th percentile to $72,000 at the 90th percentile — a $44,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level park ranger earns around $30,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $28,000
25th Percentile $34,000
Median (50th) $42,500
75th Percentile $58,000
90th Percentile $72,000

Park Ranger Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Charleston

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Charleston

Browse open park ranger positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Charleston

How much does a Park Ranger make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $42,500 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $28,000 (10th percentile) to $72,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,500, a park ranger in Charleston earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Charleston's median park ranger salary of $42,500 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $37,825. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $42,500 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Charleston? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Charleston 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.