The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) plays a critical role in conserving America’s natural resources, protecting endangered species, and enforcing wildlife laws. Among its workforce, Fish and Wildlife Service Officers (also known as Federal Wildlife Officers) stand out as frontline protectors of wildlife and public lands. These officers are federal law enforcement professionals who safeguard fish, wildlife, and natural habitats across the United States.
In 2025, many aspiring conservationists and law enforcement candidates are asking: “How much does a US Fish and Wildlife Service Officer make?” This guide provides the most comprehensive breakdown of salaries, covering base pay, grade levels, years of service, location-based adjustments, allowances, benefits, and career progression.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete picture of what a Fish and Wildlife Service Officer earns in the USA in 2025, along with insights into their career growth and financial stability.
Overview of US Fish and Wildlife Service Officer Salary (2025)
US Fish and Wildlife Service Officers are part of the federal civil service system and are generally classified under the GL (Law Enforcement Officer) pay scale, which is closely related to the General Schedule (GS) pay system. Salaries vary based on:
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Pay Grade (GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11 and above)
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Years of Service (step increases over time)
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Location (locality pay adjustments)
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Specialty and training (e.g., K9 officers, tactical response units)
The average starting salary for a Fish and Wildlife Service Officer in 2025 ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 annually, while experienced officers can earn over $100,000 per year with promotions and locality pay.
Summary Salary Table: US Fish and Wildlife Service Officer Pay (2025)
| Rank / Pay Grade | Approx. Annual Salary (Base) | With Locality Pay (Average) | Equivalent Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL-5 (Entry Level) | $45,000 – $52,000 | $48,000 – $56,000 | $4,000 – $4,600 |
| GL-7 (Junior Officer) | $50,000 – $60,000 | $53,000 – $65,000 | $4,400 – $5,400 |
| GL-9 (Intermediate) | $58,000 – $72,000 | $62,000 – $76,000 | $5,100 – $6,300 |
| GS-11 (Senior Officer) | $70,000 – $85,000 | $74,000 – $92,000 | $6,100 – $7,600 |
| GS-12 / GS-13 (Supervisory) | $85,000 – $110,000 | $90,000 – $120,000+ | $7,500 – $10,000 |
Note: Salaries vary based on location, experience, and step increases under federal pay rules.
How the Salary Structure Works
Understanding the salary of a US Fish and Wildlife Service Officer requires a breakdown of how the federal pay system works:
1. Pay Grades and Steps
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Entry-level officers usually start at GL-5 or GL-7, depending on education and experience.
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Promotions move officers to GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12.
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Each grade has 10 steps, which provide incremental salary increases based on years of service and performance.
2. Locality Pay
Since the cost of living varies across the USA, officers receive locality adjustments. For example:
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Washington, D.C. locality pay is higher than rural areas.
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Officers stationed in California, New York, or Alaska earn more due to higher living costs.
3. Overtime and Premium Pay
Officers often receive:
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Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): 25% added to base salary.
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Overtime Pay: for hours beyond standard duty.
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Holiday Pay and Night Differential: for work outside normal schedules.
4. Career Progression
Promotions to supervisory roles (GS-12/GS-13) significantly increase earnings, often crossing six-figure salaries.
Detailed Salary Breakdown by Experience and Grade Level
Entry-Level (GL-5 and GL-7)
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Annual Pay: $45,000 – $65,000
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Who qualifies? New officers with bachelor’s degrees in wildlife management, biology, or law enforcement.
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Responsibilities: Patrolling wildlife refuges, enforcing hunting/fishing laws, public education.
Mid-Level (GL-9 to GS-11)
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Annual Pay: $62,000 – $92,000
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Who qualifies? Officers with 3–7 years of service, proven enforcement records, or specialized training.
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Responsibilities: Investigating poaching, undercover operations, inter-agency coordination.
Senior-Level (GS-12 to GS-13)
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Annual Pay: $90,000 – $120,000+
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Who qualifies? Supervisors, special agents, or officers with advanced law enforcement certifications.
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Responsibilities: Leading enforcement teams, managing operations, high-level investigations.
Salary by Location in USA (2025)
Location is a major factor in salary because of locality adjustments. Below are examples of how pay differs:
| Location | Average Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | $80,000 – $110,000 | High locality adjustment |
| California (San Francisco, LA) | $85,000 – $115,000 | One of the highest paying areas |
| Alaska | $78,000 – $105,000 | Remote duty pay and cost-of-living benefits |
| Texas | $70,000 – $95,000 | Moderate locality adjustment |
| Florida | $68,000 – $92,000 | Strong wildlife presence, moderate pay |
| Rural Midwest | $60,000 – $80,000 | Lower cost-of-living, fewer adjustments |
Benefits and Allowances
In addition to base salary, Fish and Wildlife Officers receive federal benefits:
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Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): +25% of salary
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Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (FEHB)
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Retirement Plan (FERS): Federal pension plus Social Security
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Federal 401(k) with matching contributions
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Paid Leave: 13–26 days annually + federal holidays
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Uniform Allowance
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Relocation/Travel Allowances
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Student Loan Repayment Programs (for eligible officers)
Comparison with Other Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency | Average Starting Pay | Average Senior Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish & Wildlife Service | $45,000 – $65,000 | $100,000+ | Conservation-focused |
| FBI Special Agent | $65,000 – $85,000 | $130,000+ | Criminal investigations |
| Border Patrol Agent | $50,000 – $70,000 | $100,000+ | Immigration & border security |
| National Park Ranger (LE) | $40,000 – $55,000 | $80,000+ | Similar conservation role |
Key Factors Influencing Salary in 2025
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Federal Budget Allocations for Interior Department
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Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
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Inflation and Economic Conditions
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Union Negotiations and Pay Reform
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Special Duty Assignments (e.g., SWAT, K9, Marine Patrols)
Requirements to Become a Fish and Wildlife Service Officer
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, law enforcement, or related field
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Training: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
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Physical Requirements: Fitness tests, medical clearance
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Background Check: Security clearance and clean record
Career Progression Path
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GL-5 / GL-7 → Entry-level officer
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GL-9 / GS-11 → Intermediate enforcement officer
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GS-12 / GS-13 → Supervisory or senior roles
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GS-14 / GS-15 → Management positions (Regional Chief, Special Agent in Charge)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the starting salary for a Fish and Wildlife Service Officer in 2025?
Around $45,000 – $52,000 annually, depending on grade and locality pay.
2. How much can an experienced officer make?
Senior officers can earn $100,000+ annually with locality pay and allowances.
3. Do officers get overtime pay?
Yes. They receive LEAP (25% extra) plus overtime and holiday pay.
4. Does salary vary by state?
Yes. Officers in California, Alaska, and D.C. earn more due to locality pay.
5. What benefits do officers receive?
Health insurance, retirement plans, TSP, paid leave, uniform allowance, and relocation assistance.
6. Can officers qualify for student loan repayment?
Yes, eligible officers may receive loan repayment assistance.
7. Is the job dangerous?
Yes. Officers deal with armed poachers, dangerous animals, and remote patrols.
8. How does salary compare to National Park Rangers?
Wildlife Officers generally earn more due to law enforcement classification.
9. How long does it take to reach $100,000 salary?
Typically 5–10 years, depending on promotions and location.
10. Is this a good career for conservationists?
Yes. It combines federal law enforcement with wildlife conservation.
Conclusion
The US Fish and Wildlife Service Officer salary in 2025 is competitive, especially when combined with federal benefits, overtime pay, and allowances. Entry-level officers start at around $45,000 – $65,000, while experienced and supervisory officers can exceed $100,000 per year.
This career is not only financially rewarding but also provides the chance to protect America’s wildlife and natural heritage. For individuals passionate about law enforcement and conservation, becoming a Fish and Wildlife Service Officer offers both stability and purpose.