Fish and Game Wardens Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for fish and game wardens in the United States was $74,060 ($35.60 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $50,990 | $24.51 |
| 25th | $61,430 | $29.53 |
| Median | $74,060 | $35.60 |
| 75th | $89,110 | $42.84 |
| 90th | $100,980 | $48.55 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 33-3031
- Total U.S. employment: 5,770
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What this means
With approximately 5,770 fish and game wardens employed, this is a modest occupation in the labor market.
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $50,990, median pay is $74,060, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $100,980.
Fish and Game Wardens Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $74,290 | $35.71 | +0.3% | 160 |
| Arkansas | $72,200 | $34.71 | -2.5% | 80 |
| California | $100,090 | $48.12 | +35.1% | 330 |
| Connecticut | $65,400 | $31.44 | -11.7% | 90 |
| Delaware | — | — | — | 60 |
| Florida | $31,200 | $15.00 | -57.9% | 290 |
| Georgia | $79,440 | $38.19 | +7.3% | 200 |
| Hawaii | $69,250 | $33.29 | -6.5% | 110 |
| Idaho | $73,200 | $35.19 | -1.2% | 110 |
| Indiana | $93,990 | $45.19 | +26.9% | 170 |
| Iowa | $98,260 | $47.24 | +32.7% | 120 |
| Kansas | $61,840 | $29.73 | -16.5% | 100 |
| Kentucky | $54,570 | $26.24 | -26.3% | 70 |
| Louisiana | $59,940 | $28.82 | -19.1% | 110 |
| Maine | $73,260 | $35.22 | -1.1% | 190 |
| Maryland | $89,300 | $42.94 | +20.6% | 60 |
| Michigan | $87,460 | $42.05 | +18.1% | 210 |
| Missouri | $70,030 | $33.67 | -5.4% | 150 |
| Montana | $59,490 | $28.60 | -19.7% | 70 |
| Nebraska | $63,000 | $30.29 | -14.9% | 70 |
| Nevada | $91,750 | $44.11 | +23.9% | 50 |
| New Jersey | $72,920 | $35.06 | -1.5% | 90 |
| New York | $80,060 | $38.49 | +8.1% | 390 |
| North Carolina | $61,430 | $29.53 | -17.1% | 190 |
| North Dakota | $79,520 | $38.23 | +7.4% | 30 |
| Ohio | $75,880 | $36.48 | +2.5% | 160 |
| Oklahoma | $69,120 | $33.23 | -6.7% | 170 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,250 | $24.16 | -32.1% | 80 |
| South Dakota | $68,810 | $33.08 | -7.1% | 100 |
| Tennessee | $75,930 | $36.51 | +2.5% | 220 |
| Texas | $85,980 | $41.34 | +16.1% | 490 |
| Vermont | $74,940 | $36.03 | +1.2% | 40 |
| Virginia | $66,540 | $31.99 | -10.2% | 180 |
| West Virginia | $62,530 | $30.06 | -15.6% | 110 |
| Wisconsin | $89,110 | $42.84 | +20.3% | 150 |
| Wyoming | $74,060 | $35.60 | 0.0% | 70 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Driver/Sales Workers — $38,770/yr
- Billing and Posting Clerks — $48,500/yr
- Bus Drivers, School — $47,920/yr
- Counter and Rental Clerks — $41,300/yr
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants — $32,150/yr
- Marketing Managers — $166,790/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for fish and game wardens?
The median annual wage for fish and game wardens is $74,060 ($35.60 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays fish and game wardens the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many fish and game wardens are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 5,770 fish and game wardens employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do fish and game wardens make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $35.60. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.