Fish and Game Wardens Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Fish and Game Wardens in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$61,430
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.53
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-17% vs US median
US median $74,060
State Rank
#30 of 35
190 employed here

How much do Fish and Game Wardens make in North Carolina?

Fish and Game Wardens working in North Carolina earn a median salary of $61,430 per year, or about $29.53 per hour. That is 17% below the national median of $74,060 for this occupation.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $52,240 while the top 10% make $72,390 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $52,240 and $72,390 a year.

Fish and Game Wardens salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$52,240$25.12
25th percentile (early career)$52,240$25.12
50th percentile (median)$61,430$29.53
75th percentile (experienced)$72,390$34.80
90th percentile (top earners)$72,390$34.80

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 30th out of 35 states and territories for Fish and Game Wardens pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$100,090
2Iowa$98,260
3Indiana$93,990
4Nevada$91,750
5Maryland$89,300

Working as Fish and Game Wardens in North Carolina

Nationally, about 6,000 people work as Fish and Game Wardens in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($61,430) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Fish and Game Wardens make in North Carolina?
The median Fish and Game Wardens salary in North Carolina is $61,430 per year, or about $29.53 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $52,240 at the entry level to $72,390 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Fish and Game Wardens about 17% less than the national median of $74,060. North Carolina ranks 30th out of 35 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Fish and Game Wardens?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $61,430 a year. About 190 Fish and Game Wardens are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Fish and Game Wardens salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.