Average Salary for a Firefighter in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a firefighter plays a major role in career choices for many people looking to serve their communities.
"Firefighters are brave heroes who risk their lives to protect people and property from fires and other emergencies. They work in dangerous situations to save lives and keep communities safe."
Many people wonder if firefighter salaries can support their families and provide good benefits. The pay for firefighters varies based on where they work, how much experience they have, and what extra skills they bring to the job.
This blog will help you learn about firefighter salaries in 2025.
We will answer questions like how much firefighters make on average, which states pay the most, and how experience affects your pay. You will also learn practical tips to increase your earnings as a firefighter. We will cover salary differences between states, what affects firefighter pay, and how to grow your career in this field.
Whether you are thinking about becoming a firefighter or already work in this field, knowing current salary information helps you make better career decisions.
Similar to other public safety careers like police officers and EMT workers, firefighter pay continues to be an important topic for job seekers in 2025.
Average Salary for a Firefighter in the USA
$59,106 per year (Average)
Based on data from several global salary surveys and government statistics, the average salary for firefighters in the USA ranges from $56,367 to $72,371 per year in 2025.
We calculated this average by combining data from multiple reliable sources, including job posting platforms, salary survey companies, and federal statistics.
The current average salary shows a slight increase from 2023, when firefighters earned $60,390 per year.
This small change reflects steady demand for firefighter services and budget considerations in many local governments that employ firefighters.
Salary for a Firefighter Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: According to several global salary surveys, firefighters earn between $57,116 and $72,371 per year on average. This range reflects different data collection methods and regional variations.
Salary range: The minimum to maximum salary range spans from $36,192 to $80,220 per year, according to many U.S. data sources. Entry-level firefighters start at the lower end, while experienced firefighters in high-paying areas reach the upper range.
Salary by experience: Entry-level firefighters earn around $48,750 to $59,606 per year, while experienced workers can make up to $99,938 per year based on government statistics and salary surveys. Mid-level firefighters with 3-7 years typically earn $55,000-$70,000 annually.
75th percentile: Top-performing firefighters earn approximately $75,000+ per year, according to national salary data. These positions often include leadership roles or specialized skills.
Salary for a Firefighter: Regional Comparison
Firefighter salaries change a lot based on where you work in the USA. Different states have different costs of living and budget situations. Some states pay much more than others due to higher taxes, more funding, and expensive housing costs.
Here's how firefighter salaries compare across major U.S. regions.
Data collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and state employment departments.
Washington offers the highest paying opportunities for firefighter jobs, while Florida ranks as the lowest paying state. California provides the best overall value when considering both salary and career growth opportunities, despite higher living costs.
Professional opportunities in related fields, like police officer careers, also show similar regional pay variations across these same high-paying states.
7 Tips to Grow Your Firefighter Salary
1. Get Emergency Medical Certification: Earn EMT or Paramedic certification to boost your value. Many fire departments require or prefer firefighters with medical training. According to several USA salary surveys, firefighters with paramedic skills can earn 15-25% more than basic firefighters.
2. Pursue Fire Officer Leadership Training: Complete fire officer training programs to qualify for promotion opportunities. Leadership roles like Fire Captain or Battalion Chief earn significantly more. Many global salary sources report that fire officers earn $75,000-$120,000+ annually compared to basic firefighter roles.
3. Specialize in Hazmat or Technical Rescue: Get certified in hazardous materials handling or technical rescue operations. These specialized skills make you more valuable and eligible for special assignment pay. Government statistics show specialized firefighters can earn an additional $5,000-$15,000 per year in many departments.
4. Work in High-Paying States: Consider relocating to states like California, New Jersey, or Washington for better pay. These states consistently offer the highest firefighter salaries in the nation. Research shows moving to a high-paying state can increase your salary by $20,000-$30,000+ annually.
5. Earn a Degree in Fire Science: Complete an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or a related field. Many departments offer education incentive pay for degree holders. U.S. data sources indicate firefighters with degrees can earn 8-12% more than those with only a high school education.
6. Gain Wildfire Fighting Experience: Get trained and certified for wildfire suppression work. Federal wildfire positions often pay premium wages during fire season. Multiple salary surveys show seasonal wildfire work can add $15,000-$25,000 to annual earnings.
7. Apply for Federal Fire Positions: Consider federal firefighter jobs with agencies like the Forest Service or military bases. Federal positions typically offer better benefits and structured pay scales. Government employment statistics show federal firefighters often earn 10-20% more than local department firefighters.
Similar to other emergency response careers like EMT positions, continuing education and specialized training significantly impact earning potential in the firefighting profession.
FAQs | Firefighter's Salary
What is the average salary for a firefighter in 2025?
The average firefighter salary in 2025 ranges from $57,116 to $72,371 per year based on multiple salary survey sources. This varies by location, experience, and department size.
Is the firefighter's salary before or after taxes?
All firefighter salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. Your take-home pay will be lower after federal, state, and local taxes are deducted from your paycheck.
Does the average salary for firefighters include overtime pay?
Most salary surveys report base salary only and do not include overtime or bonus payments. Firefighters often earn significant additional income through overtime, holiday pay, and special assignment bonuses.
How much do entry-level firefighters make?
Entry-level firefighter salaries range from $48,750 to $59,606 per year, according to government statistics. New firefighters typically start at the lower end of department pay scales.
Which states pay firefighters the highest salaries?
California ($87,890), New Jersey ($84,850), Washington ($83,630), New York ($80,950), and Illinois ($75,610) offer the highest firefighter salaries based on federal employment data.
Do firefighters get good benefits with their salary?
Most firefighter positions include excellent benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, and sick leave. Many departments also provide life insurance and disability coverage as part of the compensation package.
How does experience affect a firefighter's salary?
Experienced firefighters can earn up to $99,938 per year compared to entry-level salaries of $48,750. Most departments have step increases based on years of service and performance evaluations.
Can firefighters earn more than the average salary?
Yes, firefighters can exceed average salaries through overtime work, specialized assignments, promotions to officer ranks, and working in high-paying departments. Many firefighters earn $80,000+ annually with these opportunities.
What education is needed for firefighter salary positions?
The minimum requirement for firefighter positions is usually a high school diploma. However, some departments prefer candidates with college degrees or fire science training for better starting salaries.
How do firefighter salaries compare to other emergency services?
Firefighter median salary of $50,700 is higher than the paramedic median salary of $41,480 according to federal statistics. Firefighters typically earn more than EMTs but similar to police officer salaries in most areas.
Do volunteer firefighters receive salary payments?
Most volunteer firefighters do not receive regular salaries but may get small stipends, length-of-service awards, or reimbursements for training and equipment. Only career firefighters employed full-time by departments earn the salaries mentioned in this article.
Is a firefighter's salary enough to support a family?
Firefighter salaries can support families, especially when combined with benefits and overtime opportunities. The median salary exceeds the national average for all occupations, making it a viable career choice for family financial stability.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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