Fish and Game Wardens vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: Salary Comparison

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

National Salary Overview

Fish and Game Wardens

Median Salary
$62,960
Average (Mean)
$62,821
Employed Nationwide
5,230
VS

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Median Salary
$69,797
Average (Mean)
$70,741
Employed Nationwide
646,310
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns $6,836 more (10.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $62,960 $69,797
Average (Mean) Salary $62,821 $70,741
Total Employment 5,230 646,310
States with Higher Pay 14 19

Salary by State: Fish and Game Wardens vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Fish and Game Wardens pays more in 14 states; Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pays more in 19.

State Fish and Game Wardens Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Difference
Alabama $64,730
$51,030
+$13,700
Arizona $44,040
$76,450
$-32,410
Arkansas $61,730
$44,300
+$17,430
California $92,140
$113,460
$-21,320
Connecticut $59,400
$85,340
$-25,940
Delaware $56,500
$82,410
$-25,910
Florida $29,760
$68,240
$-38,480
Georgia $67,500
$53,730
+$13,770
Hawaii $68,660
$88,230
$-19,570
Idaho $62,900
$63,110
$-210
Indiana $71,740
$66,320
+$5,420
Kansas $50,920
$53,170
$-2,250
Kentucky $41,220
$50,470
$-9,250
Louisiana $51,380
$47,800
+$3,580
Maine $67,080
$62,280
+$4,800
Minnesota $94,470
$84,080
+$10,390
Missouri $54,640
$56,480
$-1,840
Montana $60,860
$63,810
$-2,950
Nebraska $56,280
$66,000
$-9,720
New Jersey $75,930
$91,850
$-15,920
New Mexico $59,990
$62,840
$-2,850
New York $75,460
$85,460
$-10,000
North Carolina $54,660
$52,380
+$2,280
North Dakota $75,290
$67,060
+$8,230
Ohio $74,480
$74,300
+$180
Oklahoma $59,310
$53,850
+$5,460
Pennsylvania $50,460
$85,390
$-34,930
South Dakota $55,120
$55,390
$-270
Tennessee $72,350
$52,000
+$20,350
Vermont $67,970
$65,760
+$2,210
Virginia $60,030
$61,980
$-1,950
Washington $89,380
$99,510
$-10,130
West Virginia $51,330
$50,560
+$770

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Fish and Game Wardens or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
On average across all states, a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns more than a Fish and Game Wardens. The national median salary difference is $6,836 (10.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Fish and Game Wardens earn more than a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
A Fish and Game Wardens earns a higher median salary than a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in 14 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pays more in 19 states.
What is the median salary for a Fish and Game Wardens vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The national median salary for a Fish and Game Wardens is $62,960 per year, compared to $69,797 for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Fish and Game Wardens or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
There are more people employed as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers. BLS reports approximately 5,230 Fish and Game Wardens positions and 646,310 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Fish and Game Wardens or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Both Fish and Game Wardens and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 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.