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 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.