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Best States for Fish and Game Wardens: Highest-paid Fish and Game Wardens by State

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    Carter A
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Fish and game wardens protect wildlife, enforce laws related to hunting and fishing, and ensure the conservation of natural resources.

This article will explore the best states for fish and game wardens, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid fish and game wardens are in California, where they earn an average of $85,650 per year.
  • The lowest-paid fish and game wardens are in Florida, where they earn an average of $29,320 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for fish and game wardens is $61,287 per year.

1. California ($85,650)

California Fish and Game Wardens in California earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in California is $85,650, which is +40% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$85,650
10th Percentile$67,160
25th Percentile$78,080
75th Percentile$93,060
90th Percentile$97,070

2. Washington ($80,900)

Washington Fish and Game Wardens in Washington earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in Washington is $80,900, which is +32% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$80,900
10th Percentile$57,710
25th Percentile$71,530
75th Percentile$91,520
90th Percentile$93,870

3. New Jersey ($79,940)

New Jersey Fish and Game Wardens in New Jersey earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in New Jersey is $79,940, which is +30% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$79,940
10th Percentile$56,460
25th Percentile$71,760
75th Percentile$92,270
90th Percentile$96,710

4. Rhode Island ($79,440)

Rhode Island Fish and Game Wardens in Rhode Island earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in Rhode Island is $79,440, which is +30% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$79,440
10th Percentile$67,890
25th Percentile$71,380
75th Percentile$86,760
90th Percentile$95,270

5. Hawaii ($79,260)

Hawaii Fish and Game Wardens in Hawaii earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in Hawaii is $79,260, which is +29% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$79,260
10th Percentile$60,420
25th Percentile$69,180
75th Percentile$92,790
90th Percentile$94,060

6. Illinois ($76,800)

Illinois Fish and Game Wardens in Illinois earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in Illinois is $76,800, which is +25% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$76,800
10th Percentile$48,860
25th Percentile$50,280
75th Percentile$99,630
90th Percentile$100,050

7. Iowa ($75,910)

Iowa Fish and Game Wardens in Iowa earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in Iowa is $75,910, which is +24% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$75,910
10th Percentile$55,970
25th Percentile$69,870
75th Percentile$84,120
90th Percentile$84,120

8. Texas ($74,790)

Texas Fish and Game Wardens in Texas earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in Texas is $74,790, which is +22% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$74,790
10th Percentile$59,700
25th Percentile$72,800
75th Percentile$81,430
90th Percentile$85,200

9. Ohio ($73,210)

Ohio Fish and Game Wardens in Ohio earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in Ohio is $73,210, which is +19% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$73,210
10th Percentile$56,390
25th Percentile$70,200
75th Percentile$83,350
90th Percentile$87,570

10. North Dakota ($71,140)

North Dakota Fish and Game Wardens in North Dakota earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for fish and game wardens in North Dakota is $71,140, which is +16% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$71,140
10th Percentile$60,360
25th Percentile$61,960
75th Percentile$80,750
90th Percentile$86,200

Conclusion

The highest-paid fish and game wardens are in California, where they earn an average of $85,650 per year. The lowest-paid fish and game wardens are in Florida, where they earn an average of $29,320 per year. The U.S. average salary for fish and game wardens is $61,287 per year and there are 6,640 jobs in the field.