Agriculture & Environment Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Park Ranger Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median park ranger salary in Wheeling, WV is $33,150 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$33,150
vs State Avg
$-2,550
vs National
$-9,350
Cost of Living
78%

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

Wheeling offers a median park ranger salary of $33,150, which is $2,550 below the West Virginia state average of $35,700. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $33,150 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Wheeling spans from $21,840 at the 10th percentile to $56,160 at the 90th percentile — a $34,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,040. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level park ranger earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,400
$-6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,320
$-9,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,040
$-14,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $21,840
25th Percentile $26,520
Median (50th) $33,150
75th Percentile $45,240
90th Percentile $56,160

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
Parkersburg, WV
$34,000
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Park Ranger in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open park ranger positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Park Ranger make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $33,150 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $21,840 (10th percentile) to $56,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,150, a park ranger in Wheeling earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Wheeling's median park ranger salary of $33,150 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $35,700. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $33,150 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Wheeling? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Wheeling 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.