Firefighters vs Fish and Game Wardens: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Firefighters

Median Salary
$54,934
Average (Mean)
$56,417
Employed Nationwide
307,400
VS

Fish and Game Wardens

Median Salary
$62,960
Average (Mean)
$62,821
Employed Nationwide
5,230
Fish and Game Wardens earns $8,026 more (14.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $54,934 $62,960
Average (Mean) Salary $56,417 $62,821
Total Employment 307,400 5,230
States with Higher Pay 8 24

Salary by State: Firefighters vs Fish and Game Wardens

Showing 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. Firefighters pays more in 8 states; Fish and Game Wardens pays more in 24.

State Firefighters Fish and Game Wardens Difference
Alabama $41,290
$64,730
$-23,440
Arizona $52,380
$44,040
+$8,340
Arkansas $39,940
$61,730
$-21,790
California $80,330
$92,140
$-11,810
Connecticut $76,480
$59,400
+$17,080
Delaware $42,970
$56,500
$-13,530
Florida $55,000
$29,760
+$25,240
Georgia $42,950
$67,500
$-24,550
Idaho $47,240
$62,900
$-15,660
Indiana $58,930
$71,740
$-12,810
Kansas $42,370
$50,920
$-8,550
Kentucky $34,430
$41,220
$-6,790
Louisiana $30,770
$51,380
$-20,610
Maine $46,900
$67,080
$-20,180
Minnesota $38,750
$94,470
$-55,720
Missouri $45,050
$54,640
$-9,590
Montana $60,950
$60,860
+$90
Nebraska $69,040
$56,280
+$12,760
New Jersey $85,330
$75,930
+$9,400
New Mexico $41,790
$59,990
$-18,200
New York $82,290
$75,460
+$6,830
North Carolina $35,650
$54,660
$-19,010
North Dakota $50,450
$75,290
$-24,840
Ohio $55,040
$74,480
$-19,440
Oklahoma $53,760
$59,310
$-5,550
Pennsylvania $72,590
$50,460
+$22,130
South Dakota $51,330
$55,120
$-3,790
Tennessee $42,220
$72,350
$-30,130
Vermont $48,260
$67,970
$-19,710
Virginia $54,170
$60,030
$-5,860
Washington $88,230
$89,380
$-1,150
West Virginia $40,100
$51,330
$-11,230

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Firefighters or Fish and Game Wardens?
On average across all states, a Fish and Game Wardens earns more than a Firefighters. The national median salary difference is $8,026 (14.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Firefighters earn more than a Fish and Game Wardens?
A Firefighters earns a higher median salary than a Fish and Game Wardens in 8 out of 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Fish and Game Wardens pays more in 24 states.
What is the median salary for a Firefighters vs Fish and Game Wardens?
The national median salary for a Firefighters is $54,934 per year, compared to $62,960 for a Fish and Game Wardens, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Firefighters or Fish and Game Wardens?
There are more people employed as Firefighters. BLS reports approximately 307,400 Firefighters positions and 5,230 Fish and Game Wardens positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Firefighters or Fish and Game Wardens?
Both Firefighters and Fish and Game Wardens are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.