Glassdoor data reveals that park rangers in Yellowstone National Park earn an average annual salary of $55,048. Seasonal rangers receive hourly pay ranging from $16 to $24, while full-time rangers’ annual salaries span from $36,000 to $62,000. These figures include base pay and additional compensation. The salary varies based on experience, with entry-level positions at the lower end and senior roles commanding higher pay.
What is the Salary Range for Park Rangers in Yellowstone National Park?
The salary range for park rangers in Yellowstone National Park varies depending on the position and experience level:
- Seasonal Park Rangers: $16 – $24 per hour
- Full-time Park Rangers: $36,000 – $62,000 per year
This range encompasses both base salary and additional compensation. The average annual salary for a park ranger in Yellowstone National Park is approximately $55,048.
How Does Experience Affect Park Ranger Salaries?
Experience plays a significant role in determining a park ranger’s salary:
- Entry-Level Positions:
- Typically seasonal roles
- Hourly pay between $16 – $24
-
Annual equivalent of around $33,280 – $49,920 (based on 2080 work hours per year)
-
Mid-Career Positions:
- Usually full-time roles
- Annual salary range of $40,000 – $55,000
-
Reflects increased responsibilities and experience
-
Senior Positions:
- Full-time roles with extensive experience
- Can earn up to $62,000 per year
- May include supervisory or specialized duties
What Additional Benefits Do Park Rangers Receive?
While Glassdoor data doesn’t provide specific details on benefits, National Park Service employees typically receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Life insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- Professional development opportunities
These benefits add significant value to the overall compensation package, making the role more attractive beyond just the base salary.
How Do Yellowstone Park Ranger Salaries Compare to National Averages?
To put Yellowstone park ranger salaries in perspective, let’s compare them to national averages:
| Position | Yellowstone Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Park Ranger | $55,048 | $41,000 |
| Seasonal Ranger | $16 – $24/hour | $14 – $20/hour |
As we can see, Yellowstone National Park tends to offer slightly higher compensation compared to the national average, likely due to its status as one of the most prominent national parks in the United States.
What Factors Influence Park Ranger Salaries in Yellowstone?
Several factors can influence a park ranger’s salary in Yellowstone National Park:
- Experience: More years on the job typically lead to higher pay.
- Education: Advanced degrees or specialized training may result in higher salaries.
- Job Responsibilities: Rangers with supervisory roles or specialized skills often earn more.
- Seasonal vs. Full-time: Full-time positions generally offer higher annual salaries compared to seasonal roles.
- Federal Pay Grade: Park rangers are federal employees, and their salaries are often tied to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale.
What Do Glassdoor Reviews Say About Park Ranger Compensation?
Glassdoor reviews provide insights into how park rangers perceive their compensation:
- Many rangers express high job satisfaction despite modest salaries.
- The unique work environment and meaningful conservation work are often cited as non-monetary benefits.
- Some reviews mention challenges related to seasonal employment and limited career advancement opportunities.
- Overall, compensation is generally viewed as competitive within the field of conservation and park management.
How Has the Salary for Park Rangers in Yellowstone Changed Over Time?
While specific historical data isn’t provided in the Glassdoor information, it’s important to note that federal employee salaries, including those of park rangers, typically see annual adjustments:
- Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) are often applied annually.
- Step increases within pay grades can lead to gradual salary growth over time.
- Changes in federal budgets and policies can impact overall salary structures.
To get a more accurate picture of salary trends, it would be beneficial to consult official National Park Service or Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data over multiple years.
What Career Advancement Opportunities Exist for Park Rangers in Yellowstone?
Career advancement can significantly impact a park ranger’s salary potential:
- Seasonal to Permanent: Moving from seasonal to permanent positions often results in higher, more stable income.
- Specialization: Developing expertise in areas like wildlife management or cultural resources can lead to higher-paying roles.
- Supervisory Positions: Taking on leadership roles can bump rangers into higher pay grades.
- Cross-Park Opportunities: Experience at Yellowstone can open doors to positions at other national parks, potentially with higher salaries.
- Federal Career Advancement: As federal employees, park rangers can explore opportunities across various government agencies, potentially increasing their earning potential.
How Do Living Costs in the Yellowstone Area Affect Ranger Salaries?
When considering park ranger salaries, it’s crucial to factor in the cost of living near Yellowstone:
- Housing costs can be high due to the park’s remote location and limited availability.
- Some rangers may receive housing allowances or access to park-provided housing, which can offset living expenses.
- Rural location may mean lower costs for some items but higher prices for others due to transportation costs.
- Seasonal nature of the area’s economy can impact overall living expenses throughout the year.
Understanding these factors helps provide context to the salary figures reported on Glassdoor, as the real value of the compensation package depends heavily on the local economic conditions.