Agriculture & Environment Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median fish and game warden salary in Columbia, SC is $47,520 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$47,520
vs State Avg
+$528
vs National
$-5,280
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median fish and game warden salary of $47,520, which is $528 above the South Carolina state average of $46,992. Compared to the national median of $52,800, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $43,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,400, while senior fish and game wardens with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. With a population of 131,674, 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 $32,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $47,520
75th Percentile $61,200
90th Percentile $73,800

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$55,440
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$52,800
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$50,160
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$48,576
Pop. 72,095

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 South Carolina 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, SC:

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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, SC? ▼
The median fish and game warden salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $47,520 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $52,800. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fish and Game Warden make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,520, a fish and game warden in Columbia earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for fish and game warden pay? ▼
Columbia's median fish and game warden salary of $47,520 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $46,992. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a fish and game warden salary of $47,520 in Columbia 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 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.