Fish and Game Warden Salary in Brookings, SD: $45,408 (2026)

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

Brookings offers a median fish and game warden salary of $45,408, which is $1,056 below the South Dakota state average of $46,464. Compared to the national median of $52,800, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings'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 Brookings an attractive option for fish and game wardens seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fish and game wardens in Brookings 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. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, 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

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$29,240	$29,920	$34,000
25th Percentile	$36,120	$36,960	$42,000
Median (50th)	$45,408	$46,464	$52,800
75th Percentile	$58,480	$59,840	$68,000
90th Percentile	$70,520	$72,160	$82,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$29,240

25th Percentile

$36,120

Median (50th)

$45,408

75th Percentile

$58,480

90th Percentile

$70,520

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in Brookings

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in Brookings

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

The median fish and game warden salary in Brookings, South Dakota 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 Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $45,408, a fish and game warden in Brookings earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Brookings's median fish and game warden salary of $45,408 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $46,464. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

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

Brookings 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 Brookings 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 Brookings? ▼

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