What do game wardens make a year

Of the approximately 7, wildlife officers working in the U. While most state agencies have set salary schedules, additional salary incentives are commonplace. Promotional opportunities to investigative sergeant, lieutenant, captain, assistant commander, major, chief, lieutenant colonel, and colonel are also available. The biggest difference in game warden salaries can be seen when comparing average salaries by state.

The following states have the highest, average salaries for game wardens:. There may also be a period of required field training, which will provide you with hands-on experience. Some people also study criminal justice administration, public policy, and administration, or emergency and disaster management, if they aspire to roles higher up in the chain of command.

Physical stamina and skill: Fish and game wardens have physically demanding jobs, so you must be able to hike over rough terrain, swim, be able to physically control and arrest violators, and operate boats and four-wheel drive vehicles. Some states will require you to take a physical fitness exam with sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1. These tests consist of questions about state and federal wildlife laws, local geography, biological, and environmental sciences related to fish and wildlife, and writing skills.

And some states will only hire police officers. If you want to give yourself the best chance at an increased salary as a fish and game warden, consider reviewing the top ten highest paying states for the profession. You can use location salary data to determine the best areas for prospective employment and higher pay opportunities, although you would also factor in the cost of living for different locations as well.

The following section will review four additional career paths you can pursue that have similar responsibilities to that of a fish and game warden. Primary duties: A park ranger is responsible for maintaining the safety of visitors to state and national parks. They conduct routine checks around the park in which they are employed, educate visitors on park safety, answer visitor questions, complete conservation maintenance and help search for missing people.

Primary duties: Wildlife biologists study different animal species and how they contribute to their ecosystem. They also identify the effects that human beings have on these animals and their population levels. They analyze and estimate animal population data, write reports and participate in programs that are designed to promote wildlife conservation. Primary duties: An environmental scientist works to identify potentially dangerous hazards and other pollutants that could contaminate natural resources and therefore harm the livelihood of human beings and animals.

They take their findings and work with other industry professionals to provide solutions to potential or immediate problems. Primary duties: Ecologists are responsible for identifying different organisms within a particular ecosystem.

They study their roles in the continuation of that ecosystem and educate local communities about the importance of these organisms to their livelihood. Beyond salary, comparable professions and primary duties, there is still plenty to discover about becoming a fish and game warden.

This section will address three additional questions about the profession. There are a variety of skills that are recommended for fish and game wardens to efficiently complete their jobs. There are a few potential risks associated with this profession. Fish and game wardens might be expected to navigate dangerous terrain, work during extreme weather situations, help capture and transport agitate wildlife and apprehend potentially dangerous individuals who have disobeyed particular environmental regulations.

Some fish and game wardens are allowed to arrest individuals who violate certain hunting laws or policies, however, this can depend on state procedures. Certain states might not allow fish and game wardens to make arrests but they can contain violators until authorized law enforcement personnel arrive.

Metropolitan areas with vital economies for the employment of game wardens, as of May , were the following:. When it comes to salaries for game wardens, most states pay officers based on their rank. In most states, there are clear salary levels based on the rank you hold in the department. Additionally, many wildlife departments will offer their officers longevity pay that can add up to an increase of 1 to 7 percent in pay. Game wardens may receive educational incentive pay, with those that hold higher degrees able to earn more than non-degreed coworkers.