Average Fish and Game Wardens Salary in Virginia
Fish and Game Wardens in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $63,040, which is slightly below the national average of $67,990. This localized pay rate is influenced by a variety of factors specific to the Old Dominion, including the state's unique conservation needs and the overall economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,960.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Fish and Game Wardens, Virginia demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.25. This suggests a demand for these roles that is 25% higher than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for conservation officers in the state.
Salary Overview
The average Fish and Game Wardens in Virginia earns-7.3%below the national average.
$30.3
$1,212
$5,253
Fish and Game Wardens Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fish and Game Wardens in Virginia have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of salary growth driven by inflation, increased responsibilities, and evolving conservation strategies.
Fish and Game Wardens Salary Distribution in Virginia
Career progression for Fish and Game Wardens in Virginia typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as wardens gain expertise, accumulate years of service, and potentially take on supervisory roles, their earning potential can rise substantially, reflecting the value of their specialized knowledge and dedication.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $48,720 | $23.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $47,280 | $22.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $60,000 | $28.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $78,800 | $37.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $78,960 | $38 |
Detailed Fish and Game Wardens Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,170
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $63,040 in Virginia for Fish and Game Wardens aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This means that while the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also very close to the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable and comparable to national standards.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.052
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fish and Game Wardens roles compared to the national norm.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 1.25 for Fish and Game Wardens indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Virginia is more focused on this profession, potentially offering more opportunities but also implying a competitive environment for new entrants seeking these specialized conservation roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fish and Game Wardens
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Fish and Game Wardens Salary | $58,740↓ 7% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fish and Game Wardens make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Fish and Game Wardens in Virginia is $63,040. This typically ranges from $48,720 for entry-level positions to $78,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 7.3% lower than the national median of $67,990.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Fish and Game Wardenss?
Yes, with caveats.Virginia offers a solid salary for Fish and Game Wardens that is competitive with its cost of living. While slightly below the national average salary, the demand indicated by the Location Quotient suggests a stable and potentially growing career field.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Fish and Game Wardens?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($58,740) and others.
How does Virginia's average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fish and Game Wardens in Virginia is $63,040, which is approximately $4,950 less than the national average of $67,990.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.25 mean for Fish and Game Wardens in Virginia?
A Location Quotient of 1.25 signifies that Virginia has a higher concentration of Fish and Game Wardens than the national average, indicating a stronger presence and potentially greater demand for these roles within the state.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect the Fish and Game Warden salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia's living expenses are just slightly above the national average. This means the $63,040 salary offers purchasing power that is quite comparable to the national average, making it a reasonably balanced compensation.
Are there many Fish and Game Warden jobs in Virginia?
While the total workforce is 210, the jobs per 1,000 workers figure of 0.052, combined with the Location Quotient, suggests that while the concentration is higher than average, the absolute number of positions might be specialized within state agencies.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.052 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Fish and Game Wardens • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia