Fish and Game Wardens
O*NET 33-3031.00 · SOC 33-3031
Fish and Game Warden is a risky career choice. Median pay is $74k a year with -5.7% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 500 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Patrol lakes, rivers, and forests to enforce wildlife laws.
- →Check fishing and hunting licenses and inspect harvested game.
- →Investigate poaching complaints and illegal wildlife trafficking.
- →Rescue injured or stranded individuals in remote outdoor areas.
- →Collect biological samples from wildlife for population studies.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Fish and Game Warden roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Fish and Game Warden involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Fish and Game Warden?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Fish and Game Warden Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Fish and Game Wardens is projected to decline 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Fish and Game Warden make?
The median Fish and Game Warden earns $74k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Fish and Game Warden jobs?
Our model puts Fish and Game Warden at 38 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Fish and Game Warden a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 5.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Fish and Game Warden?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Fish and Game Warden roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Fish and Game Warden?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Fish and Game Warden career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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