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The Global Insight

Who is the highest paid game warden?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on April 02, 2026

Table 1. Highest-paying States for Fish and Game Wardens (2020 Survey)

RankStateAverage Salary i
1New Jersey$90,470
2Washington$85,330
3California$84,250
4Maryland$80,390

What is the annual salary of a game warden in Texas?

$64,920 per year
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average game warden in the state of Texas makes a median salary of $64,920 per year.

What is the starting salary for a Texas Game Warden?

Texas Game Warden Salary Texas Parks and Wildlife indicates that entry-level game warden cadets start out making ​$3,362.50​ per month, which increases to ​$4,436.83​ per month after training and probation. At four years, game wardens earn ​$5,409.92​ per month. Salary caps out at ​$6,487.17​ after 20 years of service.

How dangerous is being a game warden?

The risks game wardens face They work alone, often in remote places, and nearly everyone they contact is armed. One researcher found that wildlife officers are assaulted with guns or knives up to seven times more often than other kinds of officers, and are injured twice as often.

What degree is best for game warden?

Every state is different, but many require game wardens to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Commonly, departments of fisheries and wildlife require candidates to get an associate’s degree in natural resource science, criminal justice, or a closely related field.

Is it hard to be a game warden?

The game warden ensures that local laws and regulations are upheld when hunting and fishing, and helps conserve the habitats of countless species of wildlife. Becoming a game warden is a rigorous process, but if you have a love for the outdoors and a desire to protect it, follow this guide to learn how to get started.

Is there an age limit to be a Texas Game Warden?

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below for consideration as a Game Warden Cadet with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Age: An applicant must have reached the age of 21 years on or before the date of entry into the Game Warden Training Academy. There is no maximum age limit for employment.

How long does it take to be a Texas Game Warden?

Texas Game Warden Training Academy – Candidates who have succeeded in distinguishing themselves throughout the application process will be scheduled to complete the 30-week Texas Game Warden Training Academy.

Are game wardens in demand?

Career Outlook for Fish and Game Wardens The overall job outlook for Fish or Game Warden careers has been relatively unchanged since 2004. Demand for Fish and Game Wardens is expected to go up, with an expected 1,760 new jobs filled by 2018. This represents an annual increase of 3.04 percent over the next few years.

What are the advantages of being a game warden?

While wardens may have to work sporadically long hours, they enjoy flexible scheduling rules and paid vacations. Wardens employed by the U.S. Department of the Interior receive a lucrative federal pension, recreation benefits, tuition reimbursement, options to telecommute and a host of other federal perks.

How much does a fish and game warden make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for fish and game wardens, as of May 2018, was $57,710, with the top 10% earning an average salary of $80,140.

What are the benefits of being a game warden?

A game warden is one of the most interesting and rewarding careers you can have. This career offers the chance to serve the public, help wildlife, and preserve the natural beauty of our country.

How old do you have to be to become a game warden?

Complete basic training in the state you desire to work in. While every state has different requirements, the path to becoming a game warden is fairly universal. Most states require a person to be 21 years of age or older to become eligible for a game warden position, and some will require new hires be no older than 36 at the time of appointment.

What kind of job does a game warden have in Alaska?

For example, wildlife troopers in Alaska’s Department of Public Safety may apply for special assignments with the Wildlife Investigation Unit (based out of Anchorage), where they receive training to combat everything from poaching operations to crimes committed by or against commercial fisheries.