Agriculture & Environment Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Park Ranger Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median park ranger salary in Nashville, TN is $42,500 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

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

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

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

Nashville'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 Nashville 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. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, 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 Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
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 Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$39,100
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$37,400
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$37,400
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$36,550
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Park Ranger in Nashville

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Nashville

Browse open park ranger positions in Nashville, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Nashville

How much does a Park Ranger make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Nashville, Tennessee 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 Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,500, a park ranger in Nashville earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Nashville's median park ranger salary of $42,500 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $37,825. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $42,500 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Nashville? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Nashville 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.