Fish and Game Warden Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $44,352 (2026)

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

Aberdeen offers a median fish and game warden salary of $44,352, which is $2,112 below the South Dakota state average of $46,464. Compared to the national median of $52,800, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $44,352 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,800 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for fish and game wardens seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fish and game wardens in Aberdeen spans from $28,560 at the 10th percentile to $68,880 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,240, while senior fish and game wardens with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,520. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level fish and game warden earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,240

$-5,760 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,360

$-8,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$65,520

$-12,480 vs national

Percentile	Aberdeen	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$28,560	$29,920	$34,000
25th Percentile	$35,280	$36,960	$42,000
Median (50th)	$44,352	$46,464	$52,800
75th Percentile	$57,120	$59,840	$68,000
90th Percentile	$68,880	$72,160	$82,000

Percentile

Aberdeen

10th Percentile

$28,560

25th Percentile

$35,280

Median (50th)

$44,352

75th Percentile

$57,120

90th Percentile

$68,880

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in Aberdeen

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Fish and Game Warden make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

The median fish and game warden salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $44,352 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $52,800. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $44,352, a fish and game warden in Aberdeen earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for fish and game warden pay? ▼

Aberdeen's median fish and game warden salary of $44,352 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $46,464. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼

Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a fish and game warden salary of $44,352 in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen? ▼

Most fish and game warden positions in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen, South Dakota