What is the typical park ranger salary in Australia?

According to the Australian Taxation Office, the median salary or wage for park rangers in 2023–24 was $76,012. This figure includes part-time and casual workers, so full-time pay is usually higher. Under modern awards, a NSW National Parks ranger at Ranger Grade 1 earns $76,439 to $104,884 a year, while a Queensland entry-level ranger (Level 3) earns $70,023 to $74,354. Senior rangers can earn over $126,890.

How do I convert a park ranger hourly rate to an annual salary?

Multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked per week, then by 52. For a standard full-time role, assume 38 hours per week. For example, if your hourly rate is $38.00, the annual gross pay is $38.00 × 38 × 52 = $75,088. This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates. Superannuation is paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings.

Does the park ranger salary include superannuation?

No, the salary figures shown are base salaries before super. Under the Super Guarantee, your employer must pay an additional 12% of your ordinary earnings into your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a ranger earning $80,000, that means about $9,600 in super each year, paid on top of the salary.

Park Ranger Salary Guide 2026–27: Award Rates, Hourly Conversion and Take-Home Pay

A full-time park ranger in NSW earns between $76,439 and $104,884 a year (Ranger Grade 1) based on a 38-hour week, while a Queensland entry-level ranger earns $70,023 to $74,354 under the Parks and Wildlife Employees Award.

Park Ranger Salary: Award Rates and How They Compare

If you are considering a career as a park ranger or have an offer in hand, understanding the park ranger salary under the relevant modern award is essential. Park rangers in Australia are covered by different state-based awards and enterprise agreements, but the pay structures follow similar principles. This guide uses official data from the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the Australian Taxation Office to give you a clear picture of what you can expect to earn.

The National Minimum Wage vs. Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. However, most park rangers are covered by specific awards that set higher minimum rates. For example, the Crown Employees (Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – National Parks and Wildlife Service) Conditions of Employment Reviewed Award 2021 in NSW and the Parks and Wildlife Employees Award – State 2016 in Queensland both provide pay scales above the National Minimum Wage.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Pay

Under the NSW award, a Trainee Ranger starts at $69,862 in the first year of service, rising to $76,439 by the sixth year. Once qualified, a Ranger Grade 1 earns between $76,439 and $104,884, depending on experience. A Ranger Grade 2 earns $106,973 to $118,066, and a Senior Ranger earns $126,890. These rates are effective from 1 July 2026 and are based on a 38-hour week. The fortnightly take-home pay after tax for a Ranger Grade 1 at the first level is approximately $2,364.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Pay

In Queensland, entry-level rangers are employed at Level 3 (OO3) under the Parks and Wildlife Employees Award – State 2016. The salary range for Level 3 is $70,023 to $74,354 per year, or $2,684.00 to $2,850.00 per fortnight. More experienced rangers at Level 4 earn $77,354 to $84,659, and at Level 5 earn $86,798 to $95,173. These rates apply from 1 September 2026. The award also provides for higher levels up to Level 7, where salaries reach $109,209 to $114,374.

How to Calculate Your Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

If you are offered an hourly rate, you can estimate your annual gross salary using the formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a standard full-time role, assume 38 hours per week. For example, if your hourly rate is $40.00, the calculation is $40.00 × 38 × 52 = $79,040. This assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. To find your fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For the example above, weekly pay is $1,520, so fortnightly pay is $3,040 before tax.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

If you work as a casual park ranger, you are entitled to a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate. For instance, if the award rate is $30.00 per hour, the casual rate becomes $37.50 per hour. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave and other benefits. Remember, the calculator on this site has a checkbox to add 25% casual loading – never type a rate that already includes it.

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if your annual salary is $80,000, your employer must contribute an additional $9,600 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra benefit.

Tax on Your Park Ranger Salary

For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

You also pay the Medicare levy, generally 2% of your taxable income. The tax-free threshold means you can earn up to $18,200 without paying income tax. For a park ranger earning $80,000, the estimated tax (including Medicare) is about $16,467, leaving a take-home pay of approximately $63,533 per year, or $2,444 per fortnight.

Where to Find More Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date pay rates, always refer to the official modern award. The Fair Work Commission publishes the Modern Awards Pay Database with spreadsheets for each award, including classifications, allowances, and penalty rates. You can also use the pay guides on this site to explore other occupations. If you want to calculate your own take-home pay, try the timesheet, which lets you enter your hourly rate and see annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures with tax and super estimates.

Summary of Park Ranger Pay

NSW NPWS: Trainee Ranger $69,862; Ranger Grade 1 $76,439–$104,884; Senior Ranger $126,890 (from 1 July 2026).
Queensland QPWS: Level 3 $70,023–$74,354; Level 4 $77,354–$84,659; Level 5 $86,798–$95,173 (from 1 September 2026).
ATO median (2023–24): $76,012 for all park rangers (including part-time and casual).

Remember that these are base salaries. Allowances, overtime, and penalty rates can increase your actual earnings. Always check the specific award or enterprise agreement that applies to your role.

Important Note on Estimates

The figures on this page are estimates based on the information available. They assume a consistent 38-hour week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.