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Park Naturalist

💰 Earn $64K-$105K
📚 Bachelor Degree
⏱️ 24–48 Month Training
📈 5.3% Job Growth
  • Perfect for nature lovers who enjoy educating others about the great outdoors.
  • Inspire and engage the public with the wonders of nature and history.
  • Lead exciting field trips and share unique stories of natural and historic sites.
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Park Naturalist
What Park Naturalists DoPlan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
  • Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
  • Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
  • Plan and organize public events at the park.
  • Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
  • Develop environmental educational programs and curricula for schools.
Park Naturalists Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings2,100 Annually

Median earnings

California Median

$79,810

Most earn within this range

median ▾
$64K25th percentile
$105K75th percentile

National Median

$73,010

Most earn within this range

median ▾
$58K25th percentile
$92K75th percentile
Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Being creative or artistic
  • Relating with or serving others
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Job security
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Science
Go Deeper: Park Naturalists Explained
Park Naturalist
Park NaturalistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
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What Is the Sciences Industry?
Sciences
SciencesThe primary activities of this group involve conducting research, performing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and developing theories to better understand natural phenomena and social behavior.
What Are Similar Careers?
Environmental Scientist

Investigate and reduce environmental pollutants to protect public health.

💰 $105K Median Salary
📈 6% Job Growth
Fish and Game Warden

Protect wildlife and enforce laws in nature's vast landscapes.

💰 $100K Median Salary
📈 -6% Job Growth
Forest Technician

Assist in forest conservation and management, ensuring healthy ecosystems thrive.

💰 $60K Median Salary
📈 -2% Job Growth
Conservation Scientist

Protect and manage natural resources for sustainable use and environmental health.

💰 $80K Median Salary
📈 5% Job Growth
Tour Guides and Escort

Guide groups on tours, sharing insights and ensuring safety and compliance.

💰 $45K Median Salary
📈 6% Job Growth
Historian

Uncover and interpret the past through diverse historical sources.

💰 $95K Median Salary
📈 3% Job Growth
Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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