Agriculture & Environment Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Park Ranger Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median park ranger salary in Seattle, WA is $62,900 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$62,900
vs State Avg
+$14,025
vs National
+$20,400
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median park ranger salary of $62,900, which is $14,025 above the Washington state average of $48,875. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $62,900 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Seattle spans from $41,440 at the 10th percentile to $106,560 at the 90th percentile — a $65,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,640. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Park Ranger Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level park ranger earns around $44,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,400
+$14,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,120
+$21,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,640
+$32,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $41,440
25th Percentile $50,320
Median (50th) $62,900
75th Percentile $85,840
90th Percentile $106,560

Park Ranger Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$64,600
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$46,750
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$43,350
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$39,100
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Park Ranger in Seattle

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Seattle

Browse open park ranger positions in Seattle, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Seattle

How much does a Park Ranger make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Seattle, Washington is $62,900 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $41,440 (10th percentile) to $106,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,900, a park ranger in Seattle earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Seattle's median park ranger salary of $62,900 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $48,875. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $62,900 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Seattle? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Seattle 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.