Agriculture & Environment San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Fish and Game Warden Salary in San Diego, California

The median fish and game warden salary in San Diego, CA is $74,976 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$74,976
vs State Avg
+$2,112
vs National
+$22,176
Cost of Living
142%

Fish and Game Warden Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median fish and game warden salary of $74,976, which is $2,112 above the California state average of $72,864. Compared to the national median of $52,800, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $74,976 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,800. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for fish and game wardens in San Diego spans from $48,280 at the 10th percentile to $116,440 at the 90th percentile — a $68,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,120, while senior fish and game wardens with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,760. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level fish and game warden earns around $51,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,120
+$15,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,680
+$22,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,760
+$32,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $48,280
25th Percentile $59,640
Median (50th) $74,976
75th Percentile $96,560
90th Percentile $116,440

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$96,096
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$88,704
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$77,088
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$62,304
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in San Diego

Education

Most fish and game warden positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wildlife LawConservationLaw EnforcementFirearmsBoating SafetyCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, fish and game warden employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fish and Game Warden Jobs in San Diego

Browse open fish and game warden positions in San Diego, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in San Diego

How much does a Fish and Game Warden make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median fish and game warden salary in San Diego, California is $74,976 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $52,800. Salaries range from $48,280 (10th percentile) to $116,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fish and Game Warden make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,976, a fish and game warden in San Diego earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for fish and game warden pay? ▼
San Diego's median fish and game warden salary of $74,976 is 2.9% above the California state average of $72,864. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a fish and game warden salary of $74,976 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fish and game warden in San Diego? ▼
Most fish and game warden positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Law, Conservation, Law Enforcement, Firearms. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.