How to Become a Park Ranger?

Are you thinking of becoming a Park Ranger or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Park Ranger, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Park Ranger job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become a Park Ranger

If you're considering starting your Park Ranger career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Park Ranger and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Park Ranger career.
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1

Earn a Degree

To begin your Park Ranger career path, a Other in Other or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Park Ranger internship may be required to earn your Other and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.
2

Choose a Specialty in Your Field

As an Park Ranger, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Park Ranger field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Park Ranger specialty.
3

Get an Entry-Level Position as a Park Ranger

Once you've acquired a Other in Other or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Park Ranger. In general, you can become a Park Ranger after completing your 2 year Other in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Park Ranger role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified in cpr.
4

Advance in Your Park Ranger Career

Following entry-level, there are several Park Ranger career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Park Ranger to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Park Ranger position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Park Ranger career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Park Ranger career path.
5

Continued Education for Your Park Ranger Career Path

Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Park Ranger career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a in Other can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their typically make $85,227 compared to $31,096 for those without that type of degree.

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Related Careers in the Military & Protective Services Industry

Interested in other Military & Protective Services careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Park Ranger skills. Discover some of the most common Park Ranger career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Intern
No skills overlap
40% transitioned to Intern