Fish and game wardens

SOC Code: 33-3031
Also known as:
Community Resource Officer, Conservation Enforcement Officer, Conservation Officer, District Resource Officer, Environmental Conservation Officer
Median Annual Salary
$68,180
-6.0% growth (2024-2034)
500
Openings/Year
7K
Current Jobs

What Fish and game wardens Do

Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.

💰 Salary

$68,180
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-6.0%
Decline

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

500
Projected average per year

📚 On-the-Job Training

Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

7,000

Projected Employment (2034)

6,600

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Top Skills Required

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Judgment and Decision Making

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Patrol assigned areas by car, boat, airplane, horse, or on foot to enforce game, fish, or boating laws or to manage wildlife programs, lakes, or land.
  • Compile and present evidence for court actions.
  • Investigate hunting accidents or reports of fish or game law violations.
  • Protect and preserve native wildlife, plants, or ecosystems.
  • Issue warnings or citations and file reports as necessary.
  • Serve warrants and make arrests.
  • Provide assistance to other local law enforcement agencies as required.
  • Promote or provide hunter or trapper safety training.
  • Participate in search-and-rescue operations.
  • Arrange for disposition of fish or game illegally taken or possessed.

Technology & Tools

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Puppet Swift

📚 Entry-Level Education

Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for Fish and game wardens

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a fish and game wardens:

Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services

224 degrees awarded • 21 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Best Colleges for Becoming a Fish and game wardens

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become fish and game wardens.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX 4 B
2 South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 19 C+
3 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI 16 C+
4 Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon, WA 15 C+
5 Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, CO 12 C+
6 University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK 1 C+
7 Holmes Community College Goodman, MS 1 C+
8 Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 1 C+
9 Minnesota North College Hibbing, MN 42 C
10 Hocking College Nelsonville, OH 33 C
11 Colorado Northwestern Community College Rangely, CO 25 C
12 Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OK 20 C
13 Finger Lakes Community College Canandaigua, NY 7 C
14 Unity Environmental University New Gloucester, ME 6 C
15 Central Maine Community College Auburn, ME 6 C
16 White Mountains Community College Berlin, NH 4 C
17 Central Lakes College-Brainerd Brainerd, MN 3 C
18 Thomas College Waterville, ME 3 C
19 Husson University Bangor, ME 2 C
20 Mid Michigan College Harrison, MI 1 D

Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do fish and game wardens make?
The median annual salary for fish and game wardens is $68,180.
What education do fish and game wardens need?
Most fish and game wardens positions require a bachelor's degree. Common degree programs include Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services.
Is becoming fish and game wardens a good career choice?
Fish and game wardens is projected to see -6.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 500 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for fish and game wardens?
Top colleges for aspiring fish and game wardens include Texas Tech University, South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Skagit Valley College, Red Rocks Community College. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to fish and game wardens?
Fish and game wardens may also be known as: Community Resource Officer, Conservation Enforcement Officer, Conservation Officer, District Resource Officer, Environmental Conservation Officer, Fish and Game Warden, Fish and Wildlife Warden, Fish Warden, Fisheries Enforcement Officer, Fishing Game Warden, Game Agent, Game and Fish Protector, Game Protector, Game Warden, Mammal Control Agent, Natural Resource Officer, Park Guard, Park Warden, Resource Officer, State Game Protector. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.