Game Warden in Missouri — 2026 Career Guide

Game wardens in Missouri are sworn law enforcement officers who enforce wildlife, hunting, fishing, and natural-resource laws under the Missouri Department of Conservation, Protection Division. Missouri conservation agents are unique in requiring a bachelor's degree as a baseline qualification. Game wardens in Missouri earn a mean annual wage of $44,880 ($21.58/hour), according to BLS OEWS May 2023 data for SOC 33-3031. That is $15,500 below the national median of $60,380 — 26% lower than the U.S. midpoint. The BLS counts 40 fish and game wardens employed in Missouri.

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

Missouri Game Warden Salary

Game wardens in Missouri earn a mean annual wage of $44,880 ($21.58/hour), according to BLS OEWS May 2023 data for SOC 33-3031. That is $15,500 below the national median of $60,380 — 26% lower than the U.S. midpoint. The BLS counts 40 fish and game wardens employed in Missouri. BLS OEWS May 2023: St. Louis metro reported mean $44,880/yr ($21.58/hr) for 40 officers. 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). Missouri wardens sit below the national midpoint, though local cost of living may offset the gap. 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

Missouri Game Warden Requirements

To become a game warden in Missouri, applicants must meet the Missouri Department of Conservation baseline standards:

• Minimum age: 21
• Education: Bachelor's degree required
• U.S. citizenship: Required
• Clean criminal background: Required (felony convictions disqualify)
• Valid driver's license: Required

Missouri conservation agents are unique in requiring a bachelor's degree as a baseline qualification. Missouri 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 Missouri Department of Conservation, Protection Division for the official, current requirements before applying.

Missouri Game Warden Academy & Training

Missouri game wardens train at the Missouri Department of Conservation Agent Training Academy, 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 Missouri's academy to other states in our game warden academy guide, which details timelines and curricula nationwide.

How to Become a Game Warden in Missouri: 5 Steps

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

1. Meet the baseline — Confirm U.S. citizenship, age 21, education (Bachelor's degree required), and a clean background for Missouri.
2. Complete education or qualifying experience — Bachelor's degree required.
3. Apply and pass the entrance exams — Missouri Department of Conservation administers a written exam, physical agility test, oral interview, and background investigation.
4. Graduate from the academy — Complete the Missouri Department of Conservation Agent Training Academy program.
5. Field training and sworn commission — Complete supervised patrol before receiving full Missouri game warden commission.

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

Missouri Game Warden FAQ

How much does a game warden make in Missouri? Game wardens in Missouri earn a mean annual wage of $44,880 ($21.58/hour) per BLS OEWS May 2023 data — below the national median of $60,380.

What are the requirements to be a game warden in Missouri? Minimum age 21, Bachelor's degree required, U.S. citizenship, a clean criminal record, and a valid driver's license. See the Missouri Department of Conservation, Protection Division for official current standards.

How long does it take to become a game warden in Missouri? 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 Missouri? The Missouri Department of Conservation, Protection Division. Visit https://mdc.mo.gov for current openings.

Explore Neighboring States

Compare Missouri to nearby states: Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas. Or browse the full state directory for all 50 states plus DC.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2023, Fish and Game Wardens (SOC 33-3031): https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes333031.htm
• Missouri Department of Conservation, Protection Division: https://mdc.mo.gov
• BLS copyright/attribution policy: https://www.bls.gov/bls/copyright.htm

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 Missouri Department of Conservation before applying.