Fish and Game Wardens Salary by State
The national median pay for fish and game wardens is $74,060 a year. By state, it ranges from $31,200 in Florida to $100,090 in California.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $50,990
- 25th percentile
- $61,430
- Median
- $74,060
- 75th percentile
- $89,110
- Top 10%
- $100,980
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 5,770 jobs.
Median pay in 35 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $100,090 | +35% | $69,710 | $116,330 | 330 |
| 2 | Iowa | $98,260 | +33% | $63,400 | $98,260 | 120 |
| 3 | Indiana | $93,990 | +27% | $65,990 | $111,990 | 170 |
| 4 | Nevada | $91,750 | +24% | $64,040 | $110,200 | 50 |
| 5 | Maryland | $89,300 | +21% | $81,000 | $100,980 | 60 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | $89,110 | +20% | $61,530 | $89,110 | 150 |
| 7 | Michigan | $87,460 | +18% | $69,390 | $99,440 | 210 |
| 8 | Texas | $85,980 | +16% | $55,430 | $98,070 | 490 |
| 9 | New York | $80,060 | +8% | $66,190 | $96,050 | 390 |
| 10 | North Dakota | $79,520 | +7% | $61,430 | $103,250 | 30 |
| 11 | Georgia | $79,440 | +7% | $59,470 | $93,930 | 200 |
| 12 | Tennessee | $75,930 | +3% | $63,690 | $95,050 | 220 |
| 13 | Ohio | $75,880 | +2% | $56,620 | $100,710 | 160 |
| 14 | Vermont | $74,940 | +1% | $55,710 | $86,810 | 40 |
| 15 | Alabama | $74,290 | 0% | $44,450 | $88,510 | 160 |
| 16 | Wyoming | $74,060 | 0% | $50,150 | $77,960 | 70 |
| 17 | Maine | $73,260 | −1% | $57,080 | $79,330 | 190 |
| 18 | Idaho | $73,200 | −1% | $55,370 | $96,660 | 110 |
| 19 | New Jersey | $72,920 | −2% | $44,450 | $114,320 | 90 |
| 20 | Arkansas | $72,200 | −3% | $51,000 | $90,360 | 80 |
| 21 | Missouri | $70,030 | −5% | $52,890 | $76,170 | 150 |
| 22 | Hawaii | $69,250 | −6% | $60,670 | $101,300 | 110 |
| 23 | Oklahoma | $69,120 | −7% | $53,060 | $88,590 | 170 |
| 24 | South Dakota | $68,810 | −7% | $37,170 | $84,860 | 100 |
| 25 | Virginia | $66,540 | −10% | $56,700 | $83,550 | 180 |
| 26 | Connecticut | $65,400 | −12% | $55,280 | $76,920 | 90 |
| 27 | Nebraska | $63,000 | −15% | $55,040 | $83,930 | 70 |
| 28 | West Virginia | $62,530 | −16% | $60,540 | $75,430 | 110 |
| 29 | Kansas | $61,840 | −17% | $53,410 | $78,920 | 100 |
| 30 | North Carolina | $61,430 | −17% | $52,240 | $72,390 | 190 |
| 31 | Louisiana | $59,940 | −19% | $40,470 | $85,960 | 110 |
| 32 | Montana | $59,490 | −20% | $56,030 | $73,550 | 70 |
| 33 | Kentucky | $54,570 | −26% | $54,570 | $64,860 | 70 |
| 34 | Pennsylvania | $50,250 | −32% | $46,780 | $71,430 | 80 |
| 35 | Florida | $31,200 | −58% | $31,200 | $36,980 | 290 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Fish and Game Wardens salary questions
Which state pays fish and game wardens the most?
California, with a median of $100,090 a year (+35% vs. the national median of $74,060). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays fish and game wardens the least?
Florida, with a median of $31,200 a year (−58% vs. national).
Where do most fish and game wardens work?
Texas has the most jobs, about 490, with a median of $85,980.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.