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Average Fish and Game Wardens Salary in California

Fish and Game Wardens in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $92,510, significantly surpassing the national average of $67,990. This substantial difference is largely attributed to California's robust economy, specialized environmental regulations, and the high demand for skilled professionals dedicated to conserving the state's rich natural resources.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $92,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,330.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 290 individuals, the market for Fish and Game Wardens in California, while not exceptionally large, indicates a stable and dedicated professional community. The location quotient of 0.39 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is below the national average, the existing workforce is integral to the state's conservation efforts, pointing towards a consistent, albeit specialized, demand for these critical positions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$92,510

The average Fish and Game Wardens in California earns+36.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$44.5

Weekly

$1,779

Monthly

$7,709

Fish and Game Wardens Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Fish and Game Wardens in California typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the expected salary range widens considerably with experience, reflecting increased responsibilities, specialized skills, and proven expertise in wildlife management, law enforcement, and public outreach. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$68,290$32.8
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$69,383$33.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$94,990$45.7
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$115,638$55.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$109,330$52.6

Detailed Fish and Game Wardens Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$92,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,794

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $92,510 in California for Fish and Game Wardens must be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index, significantly above the national average, means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power may be moderated by the increased expenses associated with living in California, particularly in desirable or densely populated areas.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

0.016

Per 1K Jobs

0.39

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.39x, California has a notably lower concentration of Fish and Game Wardens jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A location quotient of 0.39 indicates that Fish and Game Wardens are less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This suggests that while the absolute number of positions may be modest, the role is not oversaturated, and professionals in this field may find a specialized niche. The market is likely characterized by a steady demand for qualified individuals rather than intense competition for a vast number of openings.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Fish and Game Wardenss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Fish and Game Wardens make in California?

The median annual salary for a Fish and Game Wardens in California is $92,510. This typically ranges from $68,290 for entry-level positions to $109,330 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 36.1% higher than the national median of $67,990.

Is California a lucrative place for Fish and Game Wardenss?

Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for Fish and Game Wardens.The average salary of $92,510 significantly exceeds the national average, providing strong compensation. However, this is balanced by a higher cost of living, requiring careful financial planning.

Is California a good place to live for Fish and Game Wardens?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the California salary compare to the national average?

Fish and Game Wardens in California earn an average of $92,510 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $67,990.

What is the concentration of Fish and Game Wardens in California?

The concentration, measured by the location quotient, is 0.39, indicating that Fish and Game Wardens are less prevalent in California compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is considerably more expensive than the national average. This means the high nominal salary of $92,510 may have reduced purchasing power compared to lower-cost states.

What does the total workforce size suggest about job availability?

A total local workforce of 290 suggests a specialized and stable job market rather than a rapidly expanding one, implying consistent demand for experienced professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.016 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Fish and Game Wardens • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California