The Salary of a Washington State Park Ranger

Washington state park rangers are state law enforcement officers.

Washington state park rangers enforce laws and operate and maintain state parks and park areas. They interpret federal and state regulations, issue citations, make arrests, provide assistance to park visitors and educate the public. Rangers are considered employees of Washington state and are entitled to all the benefits of state workers, including insurance, paid vacation and retirement compensation. Ranger salaries rise in four levels.

Park Ranger 1

This entry-level position pays $34,260 to $44,712 per year, according to Washington State Parks career information as of December 2010. The job requires a minimum bachelor's degree with at least 18 semesters or 24 quarters in subjects related to parks and recreation or natural resources. New hires must successfully complete a law enforcement academy program approved by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission within the first 18 months of employment. The job is primarily a trainee position, though rangers may occasionally lead seasonal staff.

Park Ranger 2

After successfully completing 18 months at the entry level, rangers are promoted to this journeyman position, which pays $38,556 to $50,668. At this level, they may become head rangers for Class 2 satellite parks, serve as assistants to higher-level rangers, supervise Park Ranger 1 employees, or become managers for Environmental Learning Centers.

Park Ranger 3

This senior level pays $45,828 to $60,120 yearly. Rangers may manage Class 3 or 4 state parks or park areas or become assistants to the manager of a Class 5 or Class 6 state park. They may also develop and implement program activities at several parks. This position requires completion of Park Ranger 1 requirements, plus two years of experience as a ranger or commissioned law enforcement officer.

Park Ranger 4

The highest rank of park rangers grants $57,240 to $75,084 per year as well as management of the highest level of state parks or park areas. Rangers may also coordinate activities of several high-level parks. They may serve as assistants to regional managers, who handle development, maintenance, law enforcement and visitor services of state parks in particular regions. Qualification for this level include the requirements for Park Ranger 1 as well as three years of park ranger or law enforcement experience.

References

• Washington State Parks: Park Ranger Career Ladder
• Washington State Department of Personnel: Benefits