Agriculture & Environment Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Park Ranger Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median park ranger salary in Columbia, SC is $38,250 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$38,250
vs State Avg
+$425
vs National
$-4,250
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median park ranger salary of $38,250, which is $425 above the South Carolina state average of $37,825. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $64,800 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level park ranger earns around $27,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $25,200
25th Percentile $30,600
Median (50th) $38,250
75th Percentile $52,200
90th Percentile $64,800

Park Ranger Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$44,625
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$42,500
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$40,375
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$39,100
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Park Ranger in Columbia

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Columbia

Browse open park ranger positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Columbia

How much does a Park Ranger make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $38,250 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $64,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,250, a park ranger in Columbia earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Columbia's median park ranger salary of $38,250 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $37,825. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $38,250 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Columbia? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Columbia 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.