How to Research Salary Ranges and Benefits for a Park Ranger

Full-time U.S. national park rangers earn about $24,000 to $37,000 annually, depending on experience and responsibilities. Benefits include housing and working in the great outdoors.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet Access
• Career Counseling
• Computers

1. Tap into the Web for a wealth of information about park ranger jobs, agencies, associations, and national and international ranger news. Search with keywords like "park ranger" and "career."

2. Contact park managers for their input about the outlook for new full-time positions.

3. Take into account that a full-time U.S. national park ranger job is a tenured government position with full benefits. Competition for openings is fierce.

4. Understand that you will be living in the wilderness if you become a national park ranger. Although your housing is provided free, it might not include all the modern conveniences - be prepared to rough it.

Tips & Warnings

• Develop management and leadership skills if you want to be on track to be promoted to a higher-paying post.