Agriculture & Environment Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Park Ranger Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median park ranger salary in Tacoma, WA is $46,750 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$46,750
vs State Avg
$-2,125
vs National
+$4,250
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median park ranger salary of $46,750, which is $2,125 below the Washington state average of $48,875. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $30,800 at the 10th percentile to $79,200 at the 90th percentile — a $48,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,800. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level park ranger earns around $33,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,000
+$3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,400
+$4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,800
+$6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $30,800
25th Percentile $37,400
Median (50th) $46,750
75th Percentile $63,800
90th Percentile $79,200

Park Ranger Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open park ranger positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Park Ranger make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Tacoma, Washington is $46,750 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $30,800 (10th percentile) to $79,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,750, a park ranger in Tacoma earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Tacoma's median park ranger salary of $46,750 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $48,875. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $46,750 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Tacoma? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Tacoma 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.