Also called: Protection Ranger, Federal Park Ranger
Protects parks and visitors: patrols, emergency medical response, search and rescue, and law enforcement.
In Yellowstone you might start the day directing traffic around a bison jam, respond to a car crash at noon, and lead a search for an overdue hiker at night. Rangers are often EMTs and firefighters too.
Federal GS-5 to GS-11; park housing is often available.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's degree common; federal law enforcement training (seasonal academy) and EMT certification.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification, Military. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Park & Recreation Management, Criminal Justice, Natural Resources.
Growing slowly. Competitive; many start as seasonal rangers.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps with permits and visitor info; patrol, rescue and emergency medical work stay human.
Classes: Biology, PE or fitness, Health.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.