Agriculture & Environment Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median fish and game warden salary in Chicago, IL is $56,496 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$56,496
vs State Avg
+$6,336
vs National
+$3,696
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median fish and game warden salary of $56,496, which is $6,336 above the Illinois state average of $50,160. Compared to the national median of $52,800, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for fish and game wardens in Chicago spans from $36,380 at the 10th percentile to $87,740 at the 90th percentile — a $51,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,520, while senior fish and game wardens with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,460. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level fish and game warden earns around $38,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,520
+$2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,780
+$3,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,460
+$5,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $36,380
25th Percentile $44,940
Median (50th) $56,496
75th Percentile $72,760
90th Percentile $87,740

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$57,024
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$50,160
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$44,880
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$43,296
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in Chicago

Education

Most fish and game warden positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fish and Game Warden Jobs in Chicago

Browse open fish and game warden positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in Chicago

How much does a Fish and Game Warden make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median fish and game warden salary in Chicago, Illinois is $56,496 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $52,800. Salaries range from $36,380 (10th percentile) to $87,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fish and Game Warden make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,496, a fish and game warden in Chicago earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for fish and game warden pay? ▼
Chicago's median fish and game warden salary of $56,496 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $50,160. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a fish and game warden salary of $56,496 in Chicago 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 Chicago? ▼
Most fish and game warden positions in Chicago 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.