Agriculture & Environment Madison, WI Pop. 269,840

Park Ranger Salary in Madison, Wisconsin

The median park ranger salary in Madison, WI is $42,500 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$42,500
vs State Avg
+$3,400
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Madison offers a median park ranger salary of $42,500, which is $3,400 above the Wisconsin state average of $39,100. Compared to the national median of $42,500, Madison pays above average for this role.

Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $28,000 at the 10th percentile to $72,000 at the 90th percentile — a $44,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Madison by Experience

In Madison, an entry-level park ranger earns around $30,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI

Percentile Madison
10th Percentile $28,000
25th Percentile $34,000
Median (50th) $42,500
75th Percentile $58,000
90th Percentile $72,000

Park Ranger Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Park Ranger in Madison

Education

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

Find Park Ranger Jobs in Madison

Browse open park ranger positions in Madison, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Madison

How much does a Park Ranger make in Madison, WI? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $42,500 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $28,000 (10th percentile) to $72,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Madison? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,500, a park ranger in Madison earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Madison compare to the Wisconsin state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Madison's median park ranger salary of $42,500 is 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average of $39,100. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI? ▼
Madison has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a park ranger salary of $42,500 in Madison has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Madison? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Madison 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.