Park ranger salary: gross pay, super and tax in Australia
What is the park ranger salary in Australia? We examine available public data, award coverage, superannuation, and tax implications for this occupation.
The park ranger salary index is uncertain due to limited public data, but typical pay likely falls below the national average of 100.
What is a park ranger salary?
A park ranger salary in Australia is the gross annual or weekly pay earned by someone who manages and protects national parks, state parks, marine parks, historic sites, or conservation reserves. Park rangers implement policies, maintain facilities, conduct pest and weed control, manage fire programs, educate visitors, and enforce regulations. The occupation is classified under ANZSCO 234314 and sits within the Environmental Scientists group.
Public data on park ranger pay is limited. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for this specific role because the sample size is too small to produce a reliable figure. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that 3,100 people work as park rangers, with a median age of 42 and a female share of 29%. Most work full-time (81%), averaging 41 hours per week. The main industries employing park rangers are Arts and Recreation Services, Public Administration and Safety, and Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing.
Where does the park ranger salary sit on the Salary Index?
The Salary Index measures gross ordinary-time earnings against the national line of 100, which equals $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Without a published median, we cannot give a precise index figure for park rangers. However, we can make an educated guess using industry context.
The largest employing industry for park rangers is Arts and Recreation Services, which has a Salary Index of 72.5 – well below the national average. Public Administration and Safety, another major employer, typically pays closer to the national line but varies by state. If a park ranger earns $70,000 per year, their index would be around 65. If they earn $85,000, the index would be about 78. Both are below 100, suggesting park ranger pay is generally lower than the all-occupations average.
State differences also matter. [States](/states] have their own indices: New South Wales (101.2), Victoria (98), Queensland (97.9), Western Australia (106.9), and the Australian Capital Territory (109.9). A park ranger in Western Australia might earn more than a colleague in Tasmania (88.6), reflecting different public sector pay scales.
Gross pay, super and tax for park rangers
Your gross park ranger salary is the starting point. From there, superannuation is added at 12% from 1 July 2026. For a $70,000 gross salary, that’s $8,400 in super. The total super guarantee contribution is capped by the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year.
Tax is withheld by your employer using PAYG. Using the 2026–27 tax rates, the first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15% on the next $26,800, 30% on the next $90,000, and 37% on the next $55,000. For $70,000, the tax plus Medicare levy (2%) comes to about $12,000, leaving around $58,000 take-home. If you have a HELP debt, an extra 1% to 10% may be withheld.
Awards and pay guides
Park rangers may be covered by various awards. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides list minimum rates for awards like the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award, which could apply to some conservation roles. However, many park rangers are employed by state governments under their own awards or enterprise agreements. For example, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff are covered by the Crown Employees (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service) Award. These state awards often set higher rates than the national minimum wage.
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week, annualised to $52,255 (index 48.2). Entry-level award floors start at $25.74 per hour. A park ranger with experience would expect to earn above these minimums.
Industry and occupation context
Park rangers work in industries with below-average pay. The industries page shows Arts and Recreation Services at index 72.5, while Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing is not listed but likely lower. Public Administration and Safety is not given but often near the national line. This mix suggests park ranger salaries are modest compared to professional roles like scientists (index 114.7) or mining (154.7).
Summary
The park ranger salary in Australia is not precisely published, but available data points to pay below the national average. If you are considering this career, check the specific state award or enterprise agreement for your employer. Use the Salary Index to compare any offer you receive against the national line. Remember that super and tax will affect your take-home pay, and that junior rates apply for those under 21.
Questions people ask
How much does a park ranger earn in Australia?
There is no single published median salary for park rangers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not release median weekly earnings for this occupation due to data limitations. Based on industry benchmarks (e.g., Arts and Recreation Services index 72.5) and typical state government pay scales, a full-time park ranger might earn between $60,000 and $80,000 per year, but this is an estimate. Your actual pay depends on your employer, location, and experience.
What award covers park rangers?
Park rangers are not covered by a single national award. Many are employed by state or territory park agencies under state public sector awards or enterprise agreements. Some may fall under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award if working for non-profit conservation organisations, or under local government awards if employed by a council. Check with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman for the specific award that applies.
How is super and tax calculated for a park ranger salary?
Superannuation is compulsory at 12% of ordinary-time earnings from 1 July 2026. For example, if your gross salary is $70,000, your employer must contribute $8,400 to your super fund. Tax is withheld by your employer using the PAYG system. For 2026–27, the tax-free threshold is $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, plus a 2% Medicare levy. A $70,000 salary would result in about $12,000 in tax and Medicare, leaving around $58,000 take-home (excluding HELP or other deductions).