CFChooseField
Public Safety

Fish and Game Wardens

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Fish and Game Wardens
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Median pay

$68,180
Median annual pay for Fish and Game Wardens.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

7,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Fish and Game Wardens in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Law and Government
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Biology
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Customer and Personal Service
  6. 6Psychology

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Speech Clarity
  6. 6Speech Recognition

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Integrity
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Self-Control
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Adaptability

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  4. 4Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
  5. 5E-Mail
  6. 6Freedom to Make Decisions

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

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Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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