Salary of a Firefighter
Average Salary of a Firefighter in the USA | 2025
This blog reveals the exact salaries of firefighters in 2025. We break down salaries by experience, location, and skills. This shows what drives pay and how to increase earnings.
We cover crucial topics: entry-level firefighter salaries, top-paying states, and salary increase strategies. Plus, we clarify overtime pay. By the end, you'll grasp your career value and know how to amplify it in 2025.
What's the Average Salary of a Firefighter in the USA?
$59,530 per year (Average)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for firefighters is $59,530 as of May 2024. We calculated this number by looking at data from major job platforms.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $59,530. Indeed shows a lower figure of $56,981 per year from over 2,000 salary reports. Glassdoor lists $72,421 per year, and PayScale reports $56,367 in 2025.
The average salary of a firefighter has stayed steady compared to last year. Public safety budgets remain stable, keeping wages consistent across most regions in 2025. Some areas see small increases due to union negotiations and cost-of-living adjustments.
Firefighter Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $59,530 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This includes both new and experienced firefighters. They work full-time in all departments and specialties.
Salary range: Entry-level positions start at $34,788 per year, while the most experienced workers make up to $67,609 per year. IAFC reports the range spans from $36,192 to $80,220, depending on location and experience level.
Salary by experience: Entry-level jobs begin at $48,750 a year. In contrast, experienced workers can earn up to $99,938 a year. Glassdoor shows that entry-level firefighters make $58,399 a year. Senior firefighters with over 10 years of experience can earn 30-40% more than new hires.
75th percentile: An analysis of over 8,600 salary reports from popular job boards shows that firefighters earn about $70,000 a year at the 75th percentile. This means 75% of firefighters earn less than this amount, while the top 25% earn more.
Firefighter Regional Comparison
Location significantly impacts firefighter salaries. States with higher living costs and larger fire departments generally provide better compensation.
Urban areas usually have more emergency calls and bigger budgets. So, they often pay more than in rural regions. Additionally, the strength of unions plays a crucial role in determining wages.
Here's how salaries compare across different states and regions:
Washington pays the most for firefighter jobs, but Florida pays the least. New York, New Hampshire, and Arizona have higher firefighter salaries. They earn between $56,837 and $49,573 each year.
Washington state offers the best value when comparing salary to job opportunities. The state has strong fire departments. Union contracts ensure steady demand and good pay for firefighters.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a Firefighter
1. Get Advanced Certifications: EMT-Paramedic certification can increase your salary by 15-25%. Hazmat, technical rescue, and fire inspector certifications also boost pay. Many departments offer higher starting salaries for certified paramedics.
2. Work in High-Paying States: Washington is the highest-paying state for firefighter jobs, followed by California and New York. Consider relocating to states with strong union contracts and higher cost-of-living adjustments.
3. Pursue Leadership Roles: Fire captains earn 20-30% more than regular firefighters. Battalion chiefs and fire chiefs earn significantly more. Leadership training and experience can fast-track promotions.
4. Work Overtime Shifts: Most fire departments offer overtime pay at time-and-a-half rates. Many experienced firefighters make 20-40% more than their base salary. They earn this extra pay by working overtime during busy times.
5. Focus on High-Demand Areas: Wildland firefighting, urban search and rescue, and airport crash rescue usually offer higher pay. These specialties require more training but offer better compensation.
6. Join Strong Union Departments: Union firefighters often earn 15-25% more than non-union ones. Union contracts also provide better benefits, pension plans, and job security.
FAQs About Firefighter Salaries
What is the average salary of a firefighter in 2025?
The median annual wage for firefighters is $59,530, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents the middle point where half of the firefighters earn more, and half earn less.
Is the average salary of a firefighter before or after taxes?
All salary numbers shown are gross annual income before taxes. You'll need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts to get your take-home pay.
Do firefighter salaries include overtime pay?
No, these salary figures show base pay only. Most firefighters earn significant overtime pay on top of their base salary. Overtime is typically paid at time-and-a-half rates for hours worked beyond regular schedules.
How much do entry-level firefighters make?
Entry-level firefighters earn $58,399 per year, according to Glassdoor. Entry-level jobs start at $48,750 a year. This can vary by location and department size.
Which states pay firefighters the highest salaries?
Washington is the highest-paying state for firefighter jobs. New York, New Hampshire, and Arizona pay firefighters more. In contrast, southern states usually offer lower salaries.
Do firefighters get benefits beyond their salary?
Yes, most firefighters get great benefits. These include health insurance, pension plans, paid time off, and life insurance. These benefits can add 25-40% to the total compensation package value.
How can firefighters increase their salary?
Get EMT-Paramedic certification.
Work overtime shifts.
Pursue leadership roles.
Consider high-paying states.
Specializing in areas like hazmat or technical rescue also increases earning potential.
What affects a firefighter's salary the most?
Location has the biggest impact on firefighter pay. Wages depend on several factors. Union strength, department size, cost of living, and local tax base all play a big role. Experience and certifications also play important roles.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from different global salary surveys and government stats, 2025.
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