Agriculture & Environment Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Park Ranger Salary in Houston, Texas

The median park ranger salary in Houston, TX is $40,800 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$40,800
vs State Avg
+$1,700
vs National
$-1,700
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median park ranger salary of $40,800, which is $1,700 above the Texas state average of $39,100. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $26,880 at the 10th percentile to $69,120 at the 90th percentile — a $42,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,280. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level park ranger earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-1,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,280
$-2,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $32,640
Median (50th) $40,800
75th Percentile $55,680
90th Percentile $69,120

Park Ranger Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Houston

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Houston

Browse open park ranger positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Houston

How much does a Park Ranger make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Houston, Texas is $40,800 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $69,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,800, a park ranger in Houston earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Houston's median park ranger salary of $40,800 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $39,100. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $40,800 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Houston? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Houston 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.