Fish & Wildlife Technician

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Fish and wildlife technicians typically earn $17–$24 per hour in state and federal agency positions, or $35,000–$50,000 annually. Federal GS-5 and GS-7 wildlife technician positions with locality pay in higher cost-of-living areas earn toward the upper end. Seasonal technician positions through AmeriCorps or direct agency hiring often pay stipends that translate to lower effective hourly rates. Permanent technician positions with state agencies offer better wages and full benefits. Technicians who advance to wildlife biologist positions — typically requiring a bachelor's degree in wildlife science — earn $55,000–$85,000.

Fish and wildlife technicians typically earn $17–$24 per hour in state and federal agency positions, or $35,000–$50,000 annually. Federal GS-5 and GS-7 wildlife technician positions with locality pay in higher cost-of-living areas earn toward the upper end. Seasonal technician positions through AmeriCorps or direct agency hiring often pay stipends that translate to lower effective hourly rates. Permanent technician positions with state agencies offer better wages and full benefits. Technicians who advance to wildlife biologist positions — typically requiring a bachelor's degree in wildlife science — earn $55,000–$85,000.

📈 Job Outlook

Fish and wildlife technicians are employed by state and federal agencies — US Fish & Wildlife Service, state departments of natural resources, USDA Forest Service — as well as conservation nonprofits, tribes, and private environmental consulting firms. The BLS projects faster-than-average employment growth driven by expanding conservation programs, endangered species recovery efforts, and the integration of environmental assessment requirements into infrastructure and energy development projects. Wildlife biologists and senior technicians who add GIS skills, statistical analysis proficiency, and program management experience advance into wildlife biologist positions with more competitive salaries.

Fish and wildlife technicians are employed by state and federal agencies — US Fish & Wildlife Service, state departments of natural resources, USDA Forest Service — as well as conservation nonprofits, tribes, and private environmental consulting firms. The BLS projects faster-than-average employment growth driven by expanding conservation programs, endangered species recovery efforts, and the integration of environmental assessment requirements into infrastructure and energy development projects. Wildlife biologists and senior technicians who add GIS skills, statistical analysis proficiency, and program management experience advance into wildlife biologist positions with more competitive salaries.

🎓 Training & Education

Fish and wildlife technician positions typically require an associate or bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, fisheries management, natural resource management, or a related field. Two-year AAS programs in natural resources technology at community colleges provide foundational field skills. A bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries biology is preferred for federal positions and most state biologist positions. Seasonal field technician positions are often accessible to students and recent graduates building experience. Key field skills — electrofishing certification, radio telemetry, GIS, water quality sampling, and small mammal trapping — are developed through coursework and field experience. CPR and first aid certification are standard requirements.

Fish and wildlife technician positions typically require an associate or bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, fisheries management, natural resource management, or a related field. Two-year AAS programs in natural resources technology at community colleges provide foundational field skills. A bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries biology is preferred for federal positions and most state biologist positions. Seasonal field technician positions are often accessible to students and recent graduates building experience. Key field skills — electrofishing certification, radio telemetry, GIS, water quality sampling, and small mammal trapping — are developed through coursework and field experience. CPR and first aid certification are standard requirements.

☀️ Day in the Life

A Fish and Wildlife Technician begins the workday with a boat launch at sunrise, setting electrofishing gear for a fish population survey on a river stretch. The electrofishing rig stuns fish within range, allowing the crew to dip net and collect samples for species identification, length-weight measurements, and scale sampling for age analysis. Data is recorded on waterproof field sheets and later entered into the agency database. An afternoon radio telemetry tracking session follows — using a Yagi antenna and receiver to locate radio-tagged deer in a timber management study area. They record GPS coordinates of each signal contact, assess habitat use patterns, and note any sign of predator activity. End-of-week involves entering all field data into the wildlife management database, preparing species occurrence maps in GIS software, and contributing sections to the annual population assessment report.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

🗺️ Fish & Wildlife Technician by State

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