Agriculture & Environment Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median fish and game warden salary in Lake Charles, LA is $45,408 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$45,408
vs State Avg
$-2,640
vs National
$-7,392
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median fish and game warden salary of $45,408, which is $2,640 below the Louisiana state average of $48,048. Compared to the national median of $52,800, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $45,408 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,800 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for fish and game wardens seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fish and game wardens in Lake Charles spans from $29,240 at the 10th percentile to $70,520 at the 90th percentile — a $41,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,960, while senior fish and game wardens with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level fish and game warden earns around $30,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $29,240
25th Percentile $36,120
Median (50th) $45,408
75th Percentile $58,480
90th Percentile $70,520

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$51,744
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$48,576
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$46,464
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$44,880
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in Lake Charles

Education

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

Find Fish and Game Warden Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open fish and game warden positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Fish and Game Warden make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median fish and game warden salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $45,408 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $52,800. Salaries range from $29,240 (10th percentile) to $70,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fish and Game Warden make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,408, a fish and game warden in Lake Charles earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for fish and game warden pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median fish and game warden salary of $45,408 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $48,048. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a fish and game warden salary of $45,408 in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles? ▼
Most fish and game warden positions in Lake Charles 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.