Agriculture & Environment Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Park Ranger Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median park ranger salary in Arlington, VA is $56,100 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$56,100
vs State Avg
+$11,900
vs National
+$13,600
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median park ranger salary of $56,100, which is $11,900 above the Virginia state average of $44,200. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $56,100 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Arlington spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $95,040 at the 90th percentile — a $58,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,760. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level park ranger earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
+$9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
+$14,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,760
+$21,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $56,100
75th Percentile $76,560
90th Percentile $95,040

Park Ranger Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$43,350
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$42,500
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$41,650
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$40,800
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Park Ranger in Arlington

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Arlington

Browse open park ranger positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Arlington

How much does a Park Ranger make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Arlington, Virginia is $56,100 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $95,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,100, a park ranger in Arlington earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Arlington's median park ranger salary of $56,100 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $44,200. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $56,100 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Arlington? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Arlington 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.