How to Become a Forest Ranger: Salaries and Hiring Information in the Western States


Officially, Park Rangers are hired under the Group VI Law Enforcement and Investigation program. Under this program there is room for entry level positions where a college degree is not needed, but some college courses related to the desired position typically helps attain a position that has more compteition. These days, every position will have a moderate level of competition as it is an increasingly popular field of work. Depending on the position, a background in the following fields can help: law enforcement, biology, botany, mathematics, engineering, archeology, cultural interpretation and expression. Experience that helps a great deal to attain employment as a Park Ranger is as a professional investigator in natural settings such as in fish cultures, plant cultures, tree diseases, the impact from loggers, impact from recreational use, and the enforcement of policies and conservation techniques or wildfire prevention programs. Law enforcement experience, even on a paperwork level, is also a big plus.

Applying for certain positions in job listings are typically delt with on a local level. Try looking up jobs in your area at usajobs(dot)gov.



Arizona



Park Rangers in Arizona receive an average salary of $34,000.

This is 12% lower than average Park Ranger salaries in the rest of the United States.

Utah



Park Rangers in Utah receive an average salary of $36,000.

This is 6% lower than average Park Ranger salaries in the rest of the United States.

California



Park Rangers in California receive an average salary of $41,000.

This is 6% higher than average Park Ranger salaries in the rest of the United States.

Idaho



Park Rangers in Idaho receive an average salary of $34,000.

This is 12% lower than average Park Ranger salaries in the rest of the United States.

Nevada



Park Rangers in Nevada receive an average salary of $36,000.

This is 6% lower than average Park Ranger salaries in the rest of the United States.

Washington



Park Rangers in Washington receive an average salary of $35,000.

This is 9% lower than average Park Ranger salaries in the rest of the United States.

Oregon



Park Rangers in Oregon receive an average salary of $36,000.

This is 6% lower than average Park Ranger salaries in the rest of the United States.

New Mexico



Park Rangers in New Mexico receive an average salary of $34,000.

This is 12% lower than average Park Ranger salaries in the rest of the United States.

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