Fish and Game Warden

Also called: Conservation Officer, Marine Patrol Officer

Law enforcement officer who protects fish and wildlife, including on the water.

A day in the life

Wardens patrol coasts and lakes by boat, check fishing licenses and catches, investigate poaching, and help with search and rescue.

Pay over a career

Starting
$48k
Typical
$66k
High
$95k

Training

Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's often preferred; law enforcement academy.

Ways in: 4-year college, 2-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Wildlife Biology, Criminal Justice, Natural Resources.

Outlook

Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Drones and cameras help spot poachers, but boat patrols, license checks and arrests stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Biology, Government, Physical education.

Official data: O*NET occupation 33-3031.

More Fishing & Seafood Industry careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.