Game wardens in the United States earn a median annual salary of about $68,180, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
. Salaries vary widely depending on the state, experience, and rank. For example:
- Entry-level game wardens typically make around $53,000 to $62,000 per year
- With experience and promotions, salaries can increase to $70,000 and above, with some senior positions earning over $90,000 annually
- Top-paying states include Washington (median $115,400), Indiana ($99,990), and California ($94,990)
- The national average salary is around $60,620 per year or $29.14 per hour
In Texas, game wardens earn from about $62,700 with less than 4 years of service to over $93,400 with more than 20 years of service
. Salary increases often come through promotions and additional duties, and some agencies offer financial incentives for higher education degrees related to the field
. Overall, game warden salaries range roughly from $35,000 at the lower end to over $100,000 at the higher end depending on location, experience, and rank
Summary
- Median salary: ~$68,180/year
- Entry-level: ~$53,000–62,000/year
- Experienced/senior: $70,000–$100,000+/year
- Highest salaries in states like Washington, Indiana, California
- Salary grows with experience, promotion, and education incentives
