Agriculture & Environment Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median fish and game warden salary in Columbia, MD is $62,304 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$62,304
vs State Avg
+$4,224
vs National
+$9,504
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median fish and game warden salary of $62,304, which is $4,224 above the Maryland state average of $58,080. Compared to the national median of $52,800, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $62,304 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,800. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for fish and game wardens in Columbia spans from $40,120 at the 10th percentile to $96,760 at the 90th percentile — a $56,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,480, while senior fish and game wardens with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,040. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level fish and game warden earns around $42,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,480
+$6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,720
+$9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,040
+$14,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $40,120
25th Percentile $49,560
Median (50th) $62,304
75th Percentile $80,240
90th Percentile $96,760

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$64,416
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$60,720
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$57,024
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$55,440
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in Columbia

Education

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

Find Fish and Game Warden Jobs in Columbia

Browse open fish and game warden positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in Columbia

How much does a Fish and Game Warden make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median fish and game warden salary in Columbia, Maryland is $62,304 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $52,800. Salaries range from $40,120 (10th percentile) to $96,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fish and Game Warden make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,304, a fish and game warden in Columbia earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for fish and game warden pay? ▼
Columbia's median fish and game warden salary of $62,304 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $58,080. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a fish and game warden salary of $62,304 in Columbia 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 Columbia? ▼
Most fish and game warden positions in Columbia 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.