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Game Warden in Minnesota — 2026 Career Guide

By WardenTools Research Team · Last updated 2026-06

Game wardens in Minnesota are sworn law enforcement officers who enforce wildlife, hunting, fishing, and natural-resource laws under the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Enforcement Division. Minnesota is the second-highest-paying state for game wardens at $88,280 mean annual wage. Game wardens in Minnesota earn a mean annual wage of $88,280 ($42.44/hour), according to BLS OEWS May 2023 data for SOC 33-3031. That is $27,900 above the national median of $60,380 — a 46% premium for Minnesota wardens. The BLS counts 140 fish and game wardens employed in Minnesota.

Minnesota game warden in uniform patrolling a forested wildlife area, water setting
Minnesota game warden in uniform patrolling a forested wildlife area, water setting

Written by the WardenTools Research Team. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2023. Requirements sourced from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Enforcement Division. This is career information — verify current standards with the agency before applying.

Minnesota Game Warden Salary

Game wardens in Minnesota earn a mean annual wage of $88,280 ($42.44/hour), according to BLS OEWS May 2023 data for SOC 33-3031. That is $27,900 above the national median of $60,380 — a 46% premium for Minnesota wardens. The BLS counts 140 fish and game wardens employed in Minnesota. BLS OEWS May 2023: 140 employed, mean $88,280/yr ($42.44/hr) — the #2 highest-paying state. For the full national ranking, see game warden salary by state.

For comparison, the national mean wage across all 6,290 U.S. fish and game wardens is $61,120, and the national median is $60,380 (BLS OEWS May 2023). Minnesota wardens rank among the higher-paying states for this profession. Actual pay depends on experience, rank, and whether the warden is state- or federally-employed.

Related: Game warden salary overview · Best states for game wardens

Minnesota Game Warden Requirements

To become a game warden in Minnesota, applicants must meet the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources baseline standards:

  • Minimum age: 21
  • Education: High school diploma + 2-year degree or experience
  • U.S. citizenship: Required
  • Clean criminal background: Required (felony convictions disqualify)
  • Valid driver's license: Required

Minnesota is the second-highest-paying state for game wardens at $88,280 mean annual wage. Minnesota wardens are fully sworn peace officers with arrest authority for wildlife and natural-resource violations statewide. The hiring process includes a written exam, physical agility test, oral interview, thorough background investigation, and medical/psychological evaluation. See our full game warden requirements guide for the universal baseline that applies across all states.

Verify with the agency: Visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Enforcement Division for the official, current requirements before applying.

Minnesota Game Warden Academy & Training

Minnesota game wardens train at the Minnesota Conservation Officer Training ( Skills / Academy program), completing state peace-officer certification plus agency-specific wildlife enforcement training. The combined academy program typically runs 6 to 12 months and covers criminal law, firearms, defensive tactics, wildlife identification, boat operation, and search-and-rescue. After academy graduation, new wardens complete a supervised field-training period before receiving full sworn commission.

Compare Minnesota's academy to other states in our game warden academy guide, which details timelines and curricula nationwide.

How to Become a Game Warden in Minnesota: 5 Steps

The path to becoming a Minnesota game warden follows five core steps:

  1. Meet the baseline — Confirm U.S. citizenship, age 21, education (High school diploma + 2-year degree or experience), and a clean background for Minnesota.
  2. Complete education or qualifying experience — High school diploma + 2-year degree or experience.
  3. Apply and pass the entrance exams — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources administers a written exam, physical agility test, oral interview, and background investigation.
  4. Graduate from the academy — Complete the Minnesota Conservation Officer Training ( Skills / Academy program) program.
  5. Field training and sworn commission — Complete supervised patrol before receiving full Minnesota game warden commission.

For the full nationwide walkthrough, see our how to become a game warden guide.

Minnesota Game Warden FAQ

How much does a game warden make in Minnesota? Game wardens in Minnesota earn a mean annual wage of $88,280 ($42.44/hour) per BLS OEWS May 2023 data — above the national median of $60,380.

What are the requirements to be a game warden in Minnesota? Minimum age 21, High school diploma + 2-year degree or experience, U.S. citizenship, a clean criminal record, and a valid driver's license. See the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Enforcement Division for official current standards.

How long does it take to become a game warden in Minnesota? Typically 12 to 24 months from application to sworn commission, including the hiring process (3–6 months), the academy (6–7 months), and field training (3–6 months).

Which agency hires game wardens in Minnesota? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Enforcement Division. Visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement for current openings.

Explore Neighboring States

Compare Minnesota to nearby states: Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota. Or browse the full state directory for all 50 states plus DC.

Sources

Last updated June 2026. Disclaimer: This is career information compiled from public government sources, not professional counseling. Salary data reflects BLS OEWS May 2023. Verify all current requirements with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before applying.