Fish and Game Warden Salary in 2026
How Much Do Fish and Game Wardens Make?
Fish and Game Wardens earn a median annual salary of $68,180 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $35,670 at the 10th percentile to $94,470 at the 90th percentile — a range of $58,800. The highest-paying state is Washington at $115,400.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,670 |
| 25th percentile | $53,260 |
| Median (50th) | $68,180 |
| 75th percentile | $82,100 |
| 90th percentile | $94,470 |
Fish and Game Warden Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $115,400 |
| Indiana | $99,990 |
| California | $94,990 |
| Iowa | $92,270 |
| Maryland | $87,180 |
| Nevada | $84,280 |
| Texas | $81,880 |
| North Dakota | $80,220 |
| Ohio | $76,870 |
| Tennessee | $75,930 |
| New York | $75,820 |
| Wyoming | $74,060 |
| Georgia | $73,490 |
| Vermont | $71,720 |
| Maine | $71,120 |
| Alabama | $71,070 |
| Hawaii | $70,840 |
| Idaho | $70,350 |
| Arkansas | $70,100 |
| South Carolina | $69,360 |
| New Jersey | $64,930 |
| South Dakota | $63,450 |
| Connecticut | $62,530 |
| Kansas | $61,840 |
| Missouri | $61,780 |
| Montana | $60,140 |
| Virginia | $60,000 |
| West Virginia | $59,630 |
| North Carolina | $57,950 |
| Nebraska | $57,370 |
| Oklahoma | $54,290 |
| Kentucky | $52,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,500 |
| Louisiana | $51,370 |
| Arizona | $45,000 |
| Florida | $32,760 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Fish and Game Wardens
Fish and Game Warden Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$35,670 – $53,260 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$68,180 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$82,100 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $94,470+ |
How to Earn More as a Fish and Game Warden
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Fish and Game Wardens in Washington earn $115,400 — $47,220 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($82,100) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Fish and Game Warden Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Fish and Game Wardenthis career | $68,180 |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector | $78,420 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist | $72,860 |
| Biologist | $93,330 |
| Conservation Scientist | $67,950 |
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SOC: 33-3031.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.