Fish and Game Wardens vs. Security Guards: Who Earns More?
Fish and Game Wardens out-earn Security Guards by $36K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Fish and Game Wardens land at $74,060 and Security Guards at $38,020. The education gap is real: fish and game warden programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while security guard programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Fish and Game Wardens is California ($100,090); for Security Guards it's District of Columbia ($64,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Fish and Game Wardens median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Fish and Game Wardens or Security Guards?
Fish and Game Wardens earn more nationally. The median is $74,060 for Fish and Game Wardens versus $38,020 for Security Guards, a difference of $36K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Fish and Game Wardens or Security Guards?
Security Guards has the better 10-year outlook at 0.4% projected growth, compared to -6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Fish and Game Wardens or Security Guards?
Fish and Game Wardens typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Security Guards requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Fish and Game Wardens get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Fish and Game Wardens at $100,090/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Fish and Game Wardens vs. Security Guards pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Fish and Game Wardens earn $100,090 vs. $43,240 for Security Guards. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.