Fish and Game Warden Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $46,464 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median fish and game warden salary of $46,464, which is $1,056 below the North Dakota state average of $47,520. Compared to the national median of $52,800, Grand Forks pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Forks's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $46,464 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,800 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for fish and game wardens seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fish and game wardens in Grand Forks spans from $29,920 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $42,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,680, while senior fish and game wardens with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level fish and game warden earns around $31,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,680

$-4,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$47,520

$-6,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$68,640

$-9,360 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$29,920	$30,600	$34,000
25th Percentile	$36,960	$37,800	$42,000
Median (50th)	$46,464	$47,520	$52,800
75th Percentile	$59,840	$61,200	$68,000
90th Percentile	$72,160	$73,800	$82,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$29,920

25th Percentile

$36,960

Median (50th)

$46,464

75th Percentile

$59,840

90th Percentile

$72,160

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in Grand Forks

Education

Most fish and game warden positions require a bachelor's degree. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Fish and Game Warden make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼

The median fish and game warden salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $46,464 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $52,800. Salaries range from $29,920 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).

How much does a Fish and Game Warden make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $46,464, a fish and game warden in Grand Forks earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for fish and game warden pay? ▼

Grand Forks's median fish and game warden salary of $46,464 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $47,520. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Forks, ND? ▼

Grand Forks has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a fish and game warden salary of $46,464 in Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks? ▼

Most fish and game warden positions in Grand Forks 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.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota