Agriculture & Environment Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Park Ranger Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median park ranger salary in Chesapeake, VA is $41,650 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$41,650
vs State Avg
$-2,550
vs National
$-850
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median park ranger salary of $41,650, which is $2,550 below the Virginia state average of $44,200. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $27,440 at the 10th percentile to $70,560 at the 90th percentile — a $43,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,640. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level park ranger earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,120
$-880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,640
$-1,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $27,440
25th Percentile $33,320
Median (50th) $41,650
75th Percentile $56,840
90th Percentile $70,560

Park Ranger Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$56,100
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$43,350
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$42,500
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$40,800
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Park Ranger in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open park ranger positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Park Ranger make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $41,650 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $27,440 (10th percentile) to $70,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,650, a park ranger in Chesapeake earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median park ranger salary of $41,650 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $44,200. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $41,650 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Chesapeake? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Chesapeake 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.