National Park Service (NPS) rangers are the guardians of America’s natural and cultural treasures. From Yellowstone’s vast wilderness to the historic battlefields of Gettysburg, they protect resources, assist visitors, and ensure public safety. In 2025, the role of an NPS ranger is more vital than ever and so is understanding their pay structure.
Ranger salaries vary significantly by state, influenced by cost of living, local pay adjustments, and state-specific demand for skilled personnel. Since NPS is a federal agency, most rangers are paid according to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale — but location can dramatically change the actual paycheck.
This comprehensive guide will break down National Park Service Ranger salaries by state in 2025, explain how pay is calculated, and provide insights into benefits, career progression, and comparisons with other similar careers.
Overview of National Park Service Ranger Pay in 2025
The NPS employs rangers in two broad categories:
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Interpretive Rangers – Focused on education, visitor services, and resource interpretation.
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Protective/Law Enforcement Rangers – Sworn officers responsible for enforcing federal laws, resource protection, and emergency response.
Both groups are paid using the General Schedule (GS) system, but law enforcement rangers may also receive LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay) and hazard duty pay.
Summary Table – Average Park Ranger Salary by State (2025)
| State | Average Base Salary | With Locality Pay | Notable Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $55,800 | $74,900 | High cost of living, large NPS presence |
| Texas | $50,200 | $59,800 | Multiple large parks, moderate locality |
| Florida | $48,600 | $57,400 | Seasonal tourism increases workload |
| New York | $53,200 | $70,000 | NYC locality pay is among the highest |
| Wyoming | $46,500 | $48,000 | Rural locality rates, home to Yellowstone |
| Alaska | $54,000 | $65,000 | Remote duty pay applies |
| Arizona | $48,800 | $55,600 | Desert climate and visitor surge in winter |
| Washington D.C. | $57,200 | $76,100 | Highest locality rate in USA |
| Colorado | $49,500 | $55,000 | Mountain parks with seasonal shifts |
| Hawaii | $51,000 | $62,400 | Island locality and remote assignments |
Note: Figures represent averages across multiple GS levels; individual pay depends on grade, step, and years of service.
How NPS Ranger Salaries Are Calculated
1. Base Pay – GS Pay Scale
Most rangers fall between GS-5 and GS-9 for entry- to mid-level positions:
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GS-5 Step 1 (2025): $37,800 base pay.
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GS-7 Step 1 (2025): $46,300 base pay.
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GS-9 Step 1 (2025): $57,100 base pay.
Senior rangers, supervisors, and law enforcement officers can reach GS-11 or GS-12, exceeding $70,000 base.
2. Locality Pay Adjustments
Locality pay reflects the cost of living in a duty station area. This can range from 16% to 44% above base pay.
Example:
A GS-9 Step 5 in San Francisco earns base $65,500 + 44.15% locality = $94,400 total.
3. Special Pay for Law Enforcement Rangers
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LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay): Adds ~25% of base salary.
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Hazard Duty Pay: For dangerous assignments (wildlife encounters, remote patrols).
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Overtime Pay: During emergency responses or special events.
State-by-State Salary Analysis (2025)
California – Highest Locality Pay in the West
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Average Base: $55,800
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With Locality: $74,900
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Major NPS units: Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, Golden Gate.
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Challenges: High housing costs, wildfire response, and year-round visitor demand.
Texas – Expansive Coverage, Moderate Pay
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Average Base: $50,200
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With Locality: $59,800
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Major NPS units: Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains.
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Factors: Large patrol areas, desert heat conditions, bilingual skills valued.
Florida – Tourism-Driven Ranger Duties
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Average Base: $48,600
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With Locality: $57,400
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Major NPS units: Everglades, Biscayne, Dry Tortugas.
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Challenges: Hurricane season duties, high seasonal visitor influx.
New York – Urban and Natural Resource Management
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Average Base: $53,200
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With Locality: $70,000
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Major NPS units: Statue of Liberty, Fire Island, Adirondacks.
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Factors: NYC locality rate, urban law enforcement duties.
Wyoming – Remote, Low Locality Adjustment
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Average Base: $46,500
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With Locality: $48,000
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Major NPS units: Yellowstone, Grand Teton.
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Challenges: Harsh winters, grizzly territory patrols.
Alaska – Remote Duty Pay
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Average Base: $54,000
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With Locality: $65,000
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Major NPS units: Denali, Glacier Bay.
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Factors: Isolation allowances, extreme weather, bush plane patrols.
Arizona – Seasonal Visitor Swings
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Average Base: $48,800
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With Locality: $55,600
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Major NPS units: Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest.
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Challenges: Heat stress, high seasonal visitation.
Washington D.C. – Highest Locality Pay in the Nation
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Average Base: $57,200
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With Locality: $76,100
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Major NPS units: National Mall, urban monuments.
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Factors: High-security duties, ceremonial events.
Colorado – Mountain Park Patrol
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Average Base: $49,500
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With Locality: $55,000
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Major NPS units: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde.
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Challenges: High-altitude rescues, avalanche safety.
Hawaii – Remote Island Parks
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Average Base: $51,000
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With Locality: $62,400
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Major NPS units: Haleakalā, Hawai’i Volcanoes.
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Factors: Seismic monitoring duties, island resource protection.
Benefits and Perks for NPS Rangers
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Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension + Thrift Savings Plan.
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Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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Paid Leave: 13–26 days annual leave + 13 sick days + federal holidays.
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Training Opportunities: Law enforcement certifications, wildfire training, EMT certification.
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Job Security: Federal employment stability.
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Housing Options: Some parks offer on-site ranger housing.
Comparison with Similar Federal Jobs
| Job Title | Average Salary | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| NPS Ranger | $55,000 – $75,000 | Federal benefits, seasonal overtime |
| US Forest Service Law Officer | $58,000 – $78,000 | Hazard pay, remote duty pay |
| US Fish & Wildlife Officer | $60,000 – $82,000 | LEAP, higher enforcement focus |
Factors Affecting Ranger Pay by State
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Locality Pay Rate – Higher in urban/high-cost states.
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Job Type – Law enforcement vs interpretive roles.
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Experience Level – Higher GS grades with more years of service.
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Work Conditions – Remote duty, hazard zones, seasonal demands.
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Education & Skills – Specialized training can increase eligibility for higher grades.
FAQs – National Park Service Ranger Salary (2025)
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What is the lowest salary for a park ranger in 2025?
Around $37,800 base for GS-5 Step 1 before locality. -
What is the highest salary for a park ranger?
Senior rangers can exceed $90,000 with locality and special pay. -
Which state pays park rangers the most?
Washington D.C. and California due to high locality rates. -
Do park rangers get overtime pay?
Yes, especially during emergencies or peak seasons. -
Is housing provided for park rangers?
Some parks offer on-site housing or rental assistance. -
Do law enforcement rangers earn more?
Yes, due to LEAP and hazard pay. -
How often do rangers get raises?
Step increases occur every 1–3 years based on performance. -
Do rangers in Alaska earn more?
They get remote duty and isolation allowances. -
Are park ranger jobs competitive?
Yes, especially in popular park locations. -
Can park rangers transfer between states?
Yes, transfers are possible within NPS.
Conclusion
The National Park Service Ranger salary in 2025 varies widely by state, with locality pay playing a major role in total earnings. States like California, New York, and Washington D.C. offer the highest pay due to high cost-of-living adjustments, while states like Wyoming and Alaska offer unique allowances for remote duty.
For those passionate about protecting America’s parks, the job offers not just a paycheck but a rewarding career in service to the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.