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Chief Park Ranger Salary in California

How much does a Chief Park Ranger make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Park Ranger in California is $67,572 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, a Chief Park Ranger's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,642
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $60,329 to $75,984
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,734
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Chief Park Ranger Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Chief Park Ranger Salaries

A Chief Park Ranger's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Chief Park Ranger Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Park Ranger's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $63,354
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $63,578
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $66,404
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $69,675
  • Expert (over 8 years): $69,909
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Chief Park Ranger less than 1 year $63,354
Early Career Level Chief Park Ranger 1-2 years $63,578
Mid-Level Level Chief Park Ranger 2-4 years $66,404
Senior-Level Level Chief Park Ranger 5-8 years $69,675
Expert Level Chief Park Ranger over 8 years $69,909

How Do Chief Park Ranger Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Park Rangers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $67,829.
  • California: $67,572.
  • Massachusetts: $66,672.

Top Paying Cities for Chief Park Ranger

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $67,688
  • West Hollywood: $67,639
  • Dodgertown: $67,688

Chief Park Ranger Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chief Park Ranger roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Chief Park Ranger positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Chief Park Ranger as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Chief Park Ranger

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $81,087 $39.0 20%

Chief Park Ranger Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chief Park Ranger's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$60,329
Average $67,572/year
$75,984
$5,027
Average $5,631/month
$6,332
$1,160
Average $1,299/week
$1,461
$29
Average $32/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $75,984 $6,332 $1,461 $37
Average $67,572 $5,631 $1,299 $32
25th Percentile $60,329 $5,027 $1,160 $29

Find Your Next Chief Park Ranger Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief Park Ranger job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Government Jobs | Beverly Hills, CA

    Park Ranger Trainee

    Government Jobs | Beverly Hills, CA

    Government Jobs - Full-Time - $20.48 - $24.89 Hourly The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is recruiting for a Park Ranger Trainee provide vi... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Government Jobs | Sacramento, CA

    Park Ranger Assistant

    Government Jobs | Sacramento, CA

    Government Jobs - Limited Term Part-Time - $33,909.12 - $41,196.24 Annually Come join one of Forbes Magazine's Best Employers. This is a continuous filing ... more

    2 Days Ago

  • United Water Conservation District | Piru, CA

    Seasonal Park Ranger Assistant

    United Water Conservation District | Piru, CA

    Definition This position is assigned to the Lake Piru Recreation Area (LPRA) and reports to the Chief Park Ranger.The primary function for this position is... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Wild Water Adventure Park | Clovis, CA

    Park Ranger Security

    Wild Water Adventure Park | Clovis, CA

    Must be 18 years of age or older.Position requires good physical condition and candidates with a calming personality and good judgment even while under dur... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Government Jobs | Santa Rosa, CA

    Park Ranger Assistant

    Government Jobs | Santa Rosa, CA

    Government Jobs - Extra Help - $27.56 - $33.51 Hourly Join Regional Parks as the next Park Ranger Assistant - Extra Help. Multiple positions available. Sta... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Great Clips | TUCSON, AZ

    Hair Stylist

    Great Clips | TUCSON, AZ

    Join a locally owned Great Clips® salon team and enjoy a rewarding career doing what you love. Whether you’re an experienced stylist or a recent graduate, ... more

    10 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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