Fish and Game Warden Salary in Rapid City, SD: $47,520 (2026)

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

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

Rapid City'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 Rapid City 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. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Fish and Game Warden Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, 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

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

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$30,600

25th Percentile

$37,800

Median (50th)

$47,520

75th Percentile

$61,200

90th Percentile

$73,800

How to Become a Fish and Game Warden in Rapid City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Fish and Game Warden Salary in Rapid City

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

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

Based on the median annual salary of $47,520, a fish and game warden in Rapid City earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Rapid City's median fish and game warden salary of $47,520 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $46,464. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼

Rapid City 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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City? ▼

Most fish and game warden positions in Rapid City 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 Rapid City, South Dakota