Annual Salary of a Forest Ranger

Demand for forest rangers grows steadily.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics designates forest rangers as Forestry and Conservation Scientists. Their role is to manage the development and use of range-lands, forests and other natural resources. Some forest rangers research how to protect forests from fire, disease and pests, and ways to balance forest preservation with recreation. Forest rangers are responsible for enforcing environmental laws, including those relating to fire suppression and water quality.

Education and Training

The minimum requirement for a career as a forest ranger is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; specifically forestry, natural resource management, biology or environmental science. Forest rangers may also become involved in teaching or research. This often requires an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. There are approximately 50 accredited forestry degree programs in the United States. Very few American colleges and universities offer advanced degrees such as range management or soil conservation.

Earnings

The base salary of forest rangers varies widely, according to Salary.com. A ranger can expect to earn anywhere from $32,296 to $67,933 annually, with the average ranging between $39,518 and $58,171 per year. Earnings are base salary only, since bonuses are not common in this field.

Statistics

Data from PayScale indicates that this career is dominated by men. The overwhelming majority (77 percent) of forest rangers have four years or less experience. Health benefits are common for this job occupation. Eighty-seven percent of all forest rangers have medical benefits, but only half are covered by dental or vision benefits. The two most common industries employing rangers are agriculture and forestry support activities, and fire departments. Of the two, the fire department industry offers up to 10 percent greater earnings potential.

Considerations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of foresters work for the government, either at a federal, state or local level. Although forest rangers are employed throughout the country, they are concentrated in the western and southeastern states, where many national and private forests are located.

Outlook

Job growth for forest rangers continues to remain about average. The U.S. Department of Labor sees this modest increase arising from both job growth and the retirement of existing forest rangers. Most rangers are employed by government agencies and, consequently, most new jobs will occur in this area. Wildfire prevention and mitigation has become a great governmental concern, thus driving the demand for more forest rangers.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Resources

• Forest Guild