Texas Game Warden Academy Opens Applications December 1 — Salary Begins at $70,475 During Training

Rita Shipp
Nov 3, 2025
2 min read

TEXAS — Texans who dream of a law enforcement career outdoors will soon have the opportunity to apply for one of the most respected positions in state service. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) will begin accepting applications on December 1, 2025, for the 69th Texas Game Warden Cadet Class.

Texas Game Wardens are commissioned peace officers. They enforce state and federal laws while protecting natural resources, public lands, waterways, and wildlife. Wardens are often the first responders to boating accidents, search-and-rescue calls, and natural disasters — and in many rural counties, they serve as critical law enforcement support.

“This is not a desk job. Your office is a boat deck, a deer lease, or a trail you reach on an ATV.”

What makes this academy different?

This isn’t your typical training program. Cadets:

Work outside — not behind a computer.
Patrol using trucks, airboats, and ATVs.
Serve communities by protecting Texas parks, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

And the standout detail — and what will make parents and college students perk up:

Cadets earn $70,475 while attending the academy, with full state benefits.

That’s not after graduation. That’s during training.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a United States citizen
Be 21 years old by the time they are commissioned as a Game Warden
Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university(or have it completed by June 2026)

There is no maximum age limit.

Degree field does not have to be criminal justice — TPWD accepts all academic backgrounds.

Career Stage	Annual Salary
Cadet (Academy)	$70,475
1 Year	$76,231
4 Years	$90,544
8 Years	$110,376
12 Years	$118,234
16 Years	$123,459
20 Years	$134,866

Some positions qualify for an Expanded Enforcement Program, which accelerates salary increases.

Why It Appeals to East Texas Applicants

Outdoor recreation — hunting, fishing, boating — is part of daily life in Southeast Texas. Many Game Wardens come from rural communities where being outdoors isn’t a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.

Becoming a Game Warden is a chance to: