Agriculture & Environment Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Park Ranger Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median park ranger salary in Mitchell, SD is $34,850 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$34,850
vs State Avg
$-2,550
vs National
$-7,650
Cost of Living
82%

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

Mitchell offers a median park ranger salary of $34,850, which is $2,550 below the South Dakota state average of $37,400. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $34,850 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Mitchell spans from $22,960 at the 10th percentile to $59,040 at the 90th percentile — a $36,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,760. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level park ranger earns around $24,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,760
$-12,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $22,960
25th Percentile $27,880
Median (50th) $34,850
75th Percentile $47,560
90th Percentile $59,040

Park Ranger Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$39,100
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$38,250
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$36,550
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$35,700
Pop. 28,324

How to Become a Park Ranger in Mitchell

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open park ranger positions in Mitchell, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Park Ranger make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $34,850 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $22,960 (10th percentile) to $59,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,850, a park ranger in Mitchell earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Mitchell's median park ranger salary of $34,850 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $37,400. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼
Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $34,850 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Mitchell? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Mitchell 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.