Explore This Path

Fish and Game Warden

💰 Earn $79K-$104K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 Month Training

📈 -6% Job Growth

Protect wildlife and natural resources while enjoying the great outdoors.
Ensure ecological balance by enforcing laws and managing wildlife programs.
Experience diverse environments, from forests to lakes, on patrol.

What Fish and Game Wardens DoPatrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.

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.

Fish and Game Wardens Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time2 to 4 years

Job Openings500 Annually

Median Earnings

$94,990 in California

$68,180 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@ilahoutdoors

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having support
Having freedom

you are skilled in

Speaking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Coordination

Go Deeper: Fish and Game Wardens Explained

Fish and Game WardenExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

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What Is the Law & Public Safety Industry?