Fish and Game Wardens Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Fish and Game Wardens in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $85,050 a year, or about $40.89 an hour. The range runs from $60K at the entry level to $96K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $78,114 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 42.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $85K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About fish and game wardens
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level fish and game wardens (10th percentile) start around $60K. Mid-career wages sit at $85K.Top earners bring in $96K or more - a $37K spread from bottom to top.
Fish and Game Wardens pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $115K | +69% | 110 |
| Indiana | $100K | +47% | 160 |
| California | $95K | +39% | 290 |
| Iowa | $92K | +35% | 120 |
| Maryland | $87K | +28% | 30 |
| Nevada | $84K | +24% | 50 |
| Texas | $82K | +20% | 480 |
| North Dakota | $80K | +18% | 30 |
| Ohio | $77K | +13% | 140 |
| Tennessee | $76K | +11% | 360 |
| New York | $76K | +11% | 370 |
| Wyoming | $74K | +9% | 80 |
| Georgia | $73K | +8% | 210 |
| Vermont | $72K | +5% | 40 |
| Maine | $71K | +4% | 140 |
Track fish and game wardens salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do fish and game wardens make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $85,050 a year - that works out to about $40.89 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $59,530, and experienced fish and game wardens can clear $96,170. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $85K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,319/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 42.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a fish and game wardens salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median fish and game wardens salary is worth about $78,114 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do fish and game wardens get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.