Agriculture & Environment Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median fish and game warden salary in Des Moines, IA is $48,576 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$48,576
vs State Avg
+$1,584
vs National
$-4,224
Cost of Living
92%

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

Des Moines offers a median fish and game warden salary of $48,576, which is $1,584 above the Iowa state average of $46,992. Compared to the national median of $52,800, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $31,280 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $44,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,120, while senior fish and game wardens with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,760. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level fish and game warden earns around $33,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $31,280
25th Percentile $38,640
Median (50th) $48,576
75th Percentile $62,560
90th Percentile $75,440

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$50,160
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$46,464
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$45,408
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$44,352
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in Des Moines

Education

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

Find Fish and Game Warden Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open fish and game warden positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Fish and Game Warden make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median fish and game warden salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $48,576 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $52,800. Salaries range from $31,280 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fish and Game Warden make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,576, a fish and game warden in Des Moines earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for fish and game warden pay? ▼
Des Moines's median fish and game warden salary of $48,576 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $46,992. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a fish and game warden salary of $48,576 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fish and game warden in Des Moines? ▼
Most fish and game warden positions in Des Moines 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.