Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Fish and Game Wardens Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Fish and Game Wardens make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$68,810
Median Annual Salary
▲ +8.4% vs 2024
$67,080
Mean Salary
$68,810
Median Salary
$33.08
Hourly Rate
100 people work as Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota

Fish and Game Wardens salary by percentile in South Dakota

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Fish and Game Wardens salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $37,170$37,17025th25% earn less than $62,320$62,320MedianHalf earn more than $68,810$68,81075th75% earn less than $77,960$77,96090thTop 10% earn more than $84,860$84,860

Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota earn a median salary of $68,810 per year ($5,734/month). This is 5.7% below the national average of $73,001. South Dakota ranks #24 out of 35 states for Fish and Game Wardens pay. Approximately 100 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 8.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Fish and Game Wardens

Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88
Speaking
3.75
Reading Comprehension
3.62
Judgment and Decision Making
3.5

Key Knowledge Areas

Law and Government
4.6
Public Safety and Security
4.49
Biology
4.14
English Language
4.14
Customer and Personal Service
4.11
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (79.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota

Salaries for Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota range from $37,170 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $84,860 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $62,320 and $77,960.

Median $68,810
P10: $37,170 P25: $62,320 P75: $77,960 P90: $84,860
10th
$37,170
25th
$62,320
Median
$68,810
75th
$77,960
90th
$84,860
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $37,170 $17.87 $3,097
25th Percentile $62,320 $29.96 $5,193
Median (50th) $68,810 $33.08 $5,734
75th Percentile $77,960 $37.48 $6,496
90th Percentile (Experienced) $84,860 $40.80 $7,071

Note: The mean (average) salary of $67,080 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#24
South Dakota ranks #24 of 35 states
$73,001
National avg. for Fish and Game Wardens
-5.7%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Fish and Game Wardens salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Fish and Game Wardens take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Fish and Game Wardens Data in South Dakota

Fish and Game Wardens Salary by State

Compare Fish and Game Wardens pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Fish and Game Wardens make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota is $68,810 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $67,080.
What is the salary range for a Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota?
Salaries for Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota range from $37,170 at the 10th percentile to $84,860 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $62,320 and $77,960.
What is the starting salary for a Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota?
Entry-level Fish and Game Wardens positions in South Dakota typically start around $37,170 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $62,320 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 100 people are employed as Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Fish and Game Wardens in South Dakota is approximately $33.08 per hour.

💼 Earning $68,810/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn