Police Officer
Protect communities, respond to calls, investigate crimes and enforce the law.
- $76,210
- 6–12 months (academy + field training)
Public Safety & Security career
Fish and Game Warden
Also called: Game Warden · Conservation Officer · Wildlife Officer · Natural Resources Police Officer
What fish and game wardens do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a fish and game warden do?
Fish and game wardens patrol lands and waters to enforce hunting, fishing, boating and wildlife laws, investigate violations, educate the public and help with search and rescue. The median pay is $74,060 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus academy, and employment is projected to grow -5.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$74,060$35.60/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-5.7%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years plus academyTypical program length
- U.S. jobs6,200Employment, 2025
What fish and game wardens do
Game wardens are law enforcement officers for the outdoors. They patrol forests, lakes and rivers, check licenses and bag limits, investigate poaching, enforce boating safety, respond to wildlife conflicts, teach hunter education and help with search and rescue. They work alone much of the time in remote areas.
Most states require wardens to have a bachelor’s degree or significant college credits in wildlife, biology or criminal justice, plus a law enforcement academy and agency training. Jobs are competitive and few, and wardens often move to assigned districts.
Typical duties
- Patrol lands and waters
- Check hunting and fishing licenses
- Enforce bag limits and seasons
- Investigate poaching and wildlife crimes
- Enforce boating safety laws
- Respond to wildlife conflicts
- Teach hunter education and assist in search and rescue
Work environment and schedule
Wardens work outdoors in all weather, on foot, in trucks, boats, ATVs and snowmobiles, often alone in remote areas.
Schedule: Hours are irregular and seasonal, including early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Patrol a wildlife area before sunrise during deer season.
- Check hunters’ licenses and tags.
- Investigate a report of illegal baiting.
- Patrol a lake by boat checking fishing licenses and life jackets.
See a full day in the life of a fish and game warden →
Fish and Game Warden salary
Half of fish and game wardens earned more than $74,060 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $50,990 for the lowest 10% to $100,980 for the top 10%.
Full fish and game warden pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a fish and game warden
- Earn a degree
- Gain outdoor experience
- Apply to a state agency
- Complete the academy
- Advance
Many states require a bachelor’s degree or college credits in wildlife biology, natural resources or criminal justice. Wardens complete a law enforcement academy and agency training.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a fish and game warden →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Wildlife and fisheries law
- Law enforcement procedures
- Boat and off-road vehicle operation
- Species identification
- Investigation
People skills
- Independence
- Judgment
- Communication
- Integrity
All fish and game warden skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Work outdoors in nature
- Protect wildlife and resources
- Independence
- Law enforcement benefits
Cons
- Competitive hiring
- Irregular hours
- Working alone with armed people
- Relocation to assigned districts
Certifications and licenses
- State peace officer certification: Required to enforce laws.
- Boating and water rescue training: Training for waterway patrol.
- Hunter education instructor certification: Certification to teach hunter safety.
- First responder training: Emergency medical training.
Career path
- Game Warden Trainee: Complete the academy.
- Game Warden: Patrol a district.
- Sergeant or Investigator: Lead teams or special investigations.
- Lieutenant or Regional Supervisor: Manage regions.
Learn the job before day one
Our Fish and Game Warden training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct a hunting license check and investigate a poaching complaint, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Conservation Technician
Measure forests, maintain trails and help manage land, wildlife and water resources.
- $54,560
- 2 years
Animal Control Officer
Protect people and animals by enforcing animal laws and rescuing animals in need.
- $45,660
- 1–3 months
Forest Fire Prevention Specialist
Prevent wildfires through patrols, inspections, education and early detection.
- $56,870
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Compare: Fish and Game Warden vs. Police Officer · Fish and Game Warden vs. Conservation Technician · Fish and Game Warden vs. Animal Control Officer · Fish and Game Warden vs. Fire Prevention Specialist
Fish and Game Warden FAQ
Do game wardens need a degree?
Many states require a degree or college credits.
Are game wardens police officers?
Yes, they are sworn law enforcement officers in most states.
Is it hard to become a game warden?
Hiring is competitive because there are few positions.
How much does a fish and game warden make?
The median annual wage for fish and game wardens was $74,060 ($35.60 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,990 and the highest 10% earned more than $100,980.
How long does it take to become a fish and game warden?
Most people need about 4 years plus academy of training. Many states require a bachelor’s degree or college credits in wildlife biology, natural resources or criminal justice. Wardens complete a law enforcement academy and agency training.
Do you need a degree to be a fish and game warden?
Usually. Many state agencies require a bachelor’s degree or a set number of college credits in wildlife, biology, natural resources or criminal justice, plus a law enforcement academy.
More fish and game warden questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 33-3031 (Fish and game wardens).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Fish and game wardens (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.