Agriculture & Environment Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Park Ranger Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median park ranger salary in Parkersburg, WV is $34,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$34,000
vs State Avg
$-1,700
vs National
$-8,500
Cost of Living
80%

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

Parkersburg offers a median park ranger salary of $34,000, which is $1,700 below the West Virginia state average of $35,700. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $34,000 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Parkersburg spans from $22,400 at the 10th percentile to $57,600 at the 90th percentile — a $35,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $54,400. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level park ranger earns around $24,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$54,400
$-13,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $22,400
25th Percentile $27,200
Median (50th) $34,000
75th Percentile $46,400
90th Percentile $57,600

Park Ranger Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$38,250
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$37,400
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$34,850
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$33,150
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Park Ranger in Parkersburg

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open park ranger positions in Parkersburg, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Park Ranger make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $34,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $22,400 (10th percentile) to $57,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,000, a park ranger in Parkersburg earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median park ranger salary of $34,000 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $35,700. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $34,000 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Parkersburg? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Parkersburg 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.