🛡️ Public Safety ↑ 6% growth · Faster than average

Park Ranger / Conservation Officer

Park rangers protect natural and cultural resources while helping the public enjoy national and state parks — one of the most beloved government careers. Rangers in law enforcement roles carry firearms and have arrest authority; interpretive rangers focus on education and visitor programs.

$42,060 Median Salary
22K US Jobs
2–4 years Training
$5,000–$30,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$31,000
Median
$42,060
Experienced
$62,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

6%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
22K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
NPS/State Park Service Training Academy + LE Commission
Required Credential
NPS/State Park Service Training Academy + LE Commission (law enforcement)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Natural Resources or Park Administration Degree
Program Length
2–4 years
Typical Tuition
$5,000–$30,000
Work Setting
National parks, state parks, forests, wildlife refuges
🏆 Credential Required: NPS/State Park Service Training Academy + LE Commission (law enforcement)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Park Ranger / Conservation Officer involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a National parks environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Park Ranger / Conservation Officer by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC