Committee approves Haddock recommendation to study salaries of PA conservation officers compared to other states
Rep. Jim Haddock June 26, 2025 | 11:13 AM
HARRISBURG, June 26 – The PA House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee this week unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Jim Haddock to conduct a study on the salaries and benefits of conservation officers in Pennsylvania compared to conservation officers in neighboring states.
“Our state’s natural environment is one of its greatest resources, providing opportunities for recreation and beautiful scenery to millions of people. To protect this environment, our state agencies and departments employ conservation officers, such as game wardens, waterways conservation officers, and park rangers, to ensure our laws governing these areas are followed. However, these positions are paid much less than other law enforcement officers, resulting in many of our conservation officers leaving their positions for similar jobs in other states.
“Our conservation officers deserve to be compensated fairly for the work they do protecting our state. This study would provide insight into what actions can be taken to encourage our conservation officers to continue serving our state. Further, it would also serve as the first step to showing these individuals appreciation for the critical work they do,” said Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna. “As a state where the natural environment plays such a vital role in our culture, Pennsylvania has a duty to support those who help preserve it.”
House Resolution 218 would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the salaries and benefits of Pennsylvania’s conservation officers compared to those in neighboring states. The committee would be required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the PA General Assembly within a year.
Despite being classified as law enforcement officers, conservation officers earn salaries and hourly wages significantly lower than other Pennsylvania law enforcement officers. Under the current pay scales for a 40-hour workweek, game wardens have a starting annual salary of $52,932, waterways conservation officers have a starting annual salary of $48,196 and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources rangers have a starting annual salary of $45,859. Comparatively, members of the Pennsylvania State Police have a starting annual salary of $66,911.
The resolution moves to the full state House of Representatives for consideration.