Firefighter salary
BLS occupation: Firefighters · Protective service · data for May 2025
Median salary $59,280 a year, US
Median hourly pay $28.50 an hour
Middle half earn $44,490–$77,250 25th to 75th percentile
Firefighters employed 345,990 +3.7% projected by 2035
How much does a firefighter make?
- The median firefighter salary in the US is $59,280 a year ($28.50 an hour): half of the 345,990 firefighters BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $63,630.
- The middle half earn between $44,490 and $77,250. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $34,910 and the top 10% more than $101,040.
- That is 16% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- New York pays firefighters the most (median $100,960), followed by Washington ($94,520) and California ($85,120). Louisiana pays the least ($33,120).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in New York, where the median is worth $93,550 in typical US prices, then Washington and Illinois.
- In 108 of the 342 metro areas with data, the median firefighter salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of firefighters to grow 3.7% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 26,800 openings a year. The typical entry education is a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award).
official From BLS's survey of employers: what firefighters are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Firefighter salary range
Half of firefighters earn between $44,490 and $77,250 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $34,910
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $44,490
Median Yearly pay: $59,280
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $77,250
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $101,040
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $34,910 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $44,490 |
| Median | $59,280 |
| Top 25% earn over | $77,250 |
| Top 10% earn over | $101,040 |
Firefighter salary by state
New York pays firefighters the most; Louisiana the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($59,280), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| New York | $100,960 median |
| Washington | $94,520 median |
| California | $85,120 median |
| New Jersey | $84,130 median |
| Illinois | $78,380 median |
| Connecticut | $77,630 median |
| District of Columbia | $75,870 median |
| Colorado | $74,170 median |
| Maryland | $73,810 median |
| Pennsylvania | $73,460 median |
| Massachusetts | $72,800 median |
| Oregon | $70,900 median |
| Rhode Island | $67,380 median |
| Nevada | $66,570 median |
| Indiana | $62,780 median |
| Nebraska | $61,040 median |
| Texas | $60,180 median |
| Ohio | $59,370 median |
| Montana | $59,310 median |
| Arizona | $59,280 median |
| Alaska | $58,830 median |
| Virginia | $58,670 median |
| Florida | $58,550 median |
| Wyoming | $58,090 median |
| New Hampshire | $56,620 median |
| Iowa | $55,810 median |
| North Dakota | $55,080 median |
| Michigan | $54,640 median |
| Oklahoma | $49,710 median |
| Tennessee | $49,300 median |
| Missouri | $49,080 median |
| Utah | $48,310 median |
| Maine | $48,290 median |
| South Dakota | $48,160 median |
| Alabama | $47,600 median |
| Idaho | $47,320 median |
| Wisconsin | $46,850 median |
| Delaware | $46,710 median |
| Georgia | $46,550 median |
| Vermont | $46,430 median |
| Kansas | $45,900 median |
| South Carolina | $42,570 median |
| New Mexico | $41,590 median |
| Arkansas | $39,690 median |
| Minnesota | $38,110 median |
| North Carolina | $37,940 median |
| West Virginia | $37,350 median |
| Kentucky | $37,150 median |
| Mississippi | $35,880 median |
| Louisiana | $33,120 median |
Where firefighter pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Firefighters' pay goes furthest in New York once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| New York | $93,550 |
| Washington | $88,326 |
| Illinois | $78,413 |
| New Jersey | $77,322 |
| California | $76,879 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,288 |
| Connecticut | $74,925 |
| Colorado | $71,973 |
| Maryland | $70,323 |
| District of Columbia | $69,035 |
Firefighter pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $100,960 | $48.54 | $56,390 | $106,440 | 12,950 | $93,550 |
| Washington | $94,520 | $45.44 | $47,640 | $123,980 | 7,560 | $88,326 |
| California | $85,120 | $40.92 | $52,390 | $136,150 | 31,470 | $76,879 |
| New Jersey | $84,130 | $40.45 | $47,920 | $123,940 | 7,500 | $77,322 |
| Illinois | $78,380 | $37.68 | $38,900 | $106,060 | 18,400 | $78,413 |
| Connecticut | $77,630 | $37.32 | $51,320 | $85,500 | 2,970 | $74,925 |
| District of Columbia | $75,870 | $36.48 | $61,050 | $99,760 | 1,480 | $69,035 |
| Colorado | $74,170 | $35.66 | $47,000 | $114,170 | 6,510 | $71,973 |
| Maryland | $73,810 | $35.49 | $48,030 | $98,770 | 5,340 | $70,323 |
| Pennsylvania | $73,460 | $35.32 | $48,620 | $89,190 | 5,020 | $75,288 |
| Massachusetts | $72,800 | $35.00 | $49,730 | $98,130 | 11,940 | $68,837 |
| Oregon | $70,900 | $34.09 | $38,800 | $104,070 | 3,790 | $68,595 |
| Rhode Island | $67,380 | $32.39 | $56,110 | $76,620 | 1,620 | $65,878 |
| Nevada | $66,570 | $32.00 | $47,600 | $101,450 | 2,640 | $66,584 |
| Indiana | $62,780 | $30.18 | $38,460 | $81,890 | 8,530 | $67,267 |
| Nebraska | $61,040 | $29.35 | $46,660 | $69,460 | 1,070 | $67,745 |
| Texas | $60,180 | $28.93 | $40,020 | $77,170 | 28,170 | $62,005 |
| Ohio | $59,370 | $28.54 | $34,420 | $84,010 | 18,100 | $63,994 |
| Montana | $59,310 | $28.51 | $32,810 | $76,620 | 1,010 | $62,666 |
| Arizona | $59,280 | $28.50 | $36,700 | $88,220 | 7,500 | $58,881 |
| Alaska | $58,830 | $28.28 | $35,520 | $82,360 | 1,040 | $57,474 |
| Virginia | $58,670 | $28.21 | $38,310 | $77,310 | 11,160 | $58,029 |
| Florida | $58,550 | $28.15 | $37,260 | $93,310 | 24,570 | $56,617 |
| Wyoming | $58,090 | $27.93 | $39,550 | $78,760 | 680 | $62,671 |
| New Hampshire | $56,620 | $27.22 | $35,450 | $78,570 | 2,700 | $54,356 |
| Iowa | $55,810 | $26.83 | $32,240 | $87,720 | 2,170 | $63,592 |
| North Dakota | $55,080 | $26.48 | $39,700 | $77,530 | 820 | $61,916 |
| Michigan | $54,640 | $26.27 | $37,190 | $78,550 | 6,610 | $56,788 |
| Oklahoma | $49,710 | $23.90 | $31,620 | $77,560 | 4,150 | $56,590 |
| Tennessee | $49,300 | $23.70 | $33,910 | $70,460 | 7,020 | $53,663 |
| Missouri | $49,080 | $23.60 | $31,140 | $79,360 | 6,580 | $54,043 |
| Utah | $48,310 | $23.23 | $27,660 | $80,320 | 2,870 | $48,865 |
| Maine | $48,290 | $23.22 | $35,740 | $63,740 | 2,480 | $49,758 |
| South Dakota | $48,160 | $23.15 | $39,240 | $61,420 | 610 | $54,365 |
| Alabama | $47,600 | $22.88 | $29,770 | $76,190 | 7,260 | $53,590 |
| Idaho | $47,320 | $22.75 | $30,280 | $81,190 | 2,240 | $49,553 |
| Wisconsin | $46,850 | $22.52 | $29,390 | $77,050 | 8,120 | $49,790 |
| Delaware | $46,710 | $22.46 | $41,960 | $72,160 | 560 | $46,800 |
| Georgia | $46,550 | $22.38 | $33,000 | $61,510 | 12,700 | $48,342 |
| Vermont | $46,430 | $22.32 | $29,790 | $77,200 | – | $47,398 |
| Kansas | $45,900 | $22.07 | $32,810 | $76,110 | 3,360 | $50,961 |
| South Carolina | $42,570 | $20.47 | $29,130 | $62,150 | 7,780 | $45,408 |
| New Mexico | $41,590 | $20.00 | $31,200 | $57,780 | 2,420 | $45,103 |
| Arkansas | $39,690 | $19.08 | $28,680 | $60,860 | 2,480 | $45,654 |
| Minnesota | $38,110 | $18.32 | $27,510 | $70,380 | 5,810 | $38,643 |
| North Carolina | $37,940 | $18.24 | $29,360 | $61,940 | 19,410 | $40,222 |
| West Virginia | $37,350 | $17.96 | $29,020 | $51,390 | 900 | $41,733 |
| Kentucky | $37,150 | $17.86 | $27,870 | $60,720 | 5,150 | $41,205 |
| Mississippi | $35,880 | $17.25 | $26,850 | $51,310 | 2,920 | $41,264 |
| Louisiana | $33,120 | $15.92 | $22,510 | $56,670 | 5,230 | $37,548 |
BLS does not publish pay for firefighters in 1 state (too few workers to estimate reliably). After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Firefighter salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes firefighter pay: 346 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $152,100
- San Francisco, CA $113,700
- New York, NY $106,420
- Bellingham, WA $101,130
- Seattle, WA $101,090
- Fort Collins, CO $99,930
- Los Angeles, CA $98,050
- Vallejo, CA $95,950
- Bremerton, WA $95,910
- Sacramento, CA $94,080
Where the pay goes furthest
- San Jose, CA $137,743
- Fort Collins, CO $98,815
- San Francisco, CA $98,345
- Bellingham, WA $97,867
- Ames, IA $96,825
- New York, NY $94,543
- Rochester, NY $91,843
- Seattle, WA $90,963
- Bremerton, WA $90,818
- Vallejo, CA $88,450
All 346 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $152,100 | 1,330 | $137,743 | 30% |
| San Francisco, CA | $113,700 | 3,450 | $98,345 | 36% |
| New York, NY | $106,420 | 14,960 | $94,543 | 40% |
| Bellingham, WA | $101,130 | 320 | $97,867 | 23% |
| Seattle, WA | $101,090 | 3,760 | $90,963 | 27% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $99,930 | 300 | $98,815 | 24% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $98,050 | 7,200 | $86,337 | 36% |
| Vallejo, CA | $95,950 | 330 | $88,450 | 31% |
| Bremerton, WA | $95,910 | 290 | $90,818 | 26% |
| Sacramento, CA | $94,080 | 2,590 | $88,197 | 29% |
| Olympia, WA | $90,050 | 260 | $86,862 | 27% |
| Rochester, NY | $89,120 | 730 | $91,843 | 21% |
| Trenton, NJ | $88,090 | 340 | $85,375 | 34% |
| Denver, CO | $87,980 | 3,010 | $83,171 | 26% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $87,400 | 310 | $81,088 | 37% |
| Ames, IA | $86,010 | 60 | $96,825 | 16% |
| Portland, OR | $85,170 | 1,730 | $80,790 | 25% |
| Spokane, WA | $83,310 | 750 | $83,023 | 22% |
| Chicago, IL | $82,820 | 14,560 | $79,946 | 31% |
| Corvallis, OR | $82,700 | 60 | $79,506 | 26% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $82,250 | 410 | $75,599 | 48% |
| Binghamton, NY | $81,810 | 120 | $88,098 | 24% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $81,680 | 840 | $76,434 | 42% |
| Reno, NV | $81,360 | 780 | $80,543 | 31% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $81,100 | 180 | $79,166 | 32% |
| Salinas, CA | $81,070 | 760 | $74,347 | 41% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $80,560 | 400 | $81,491 | 31% |
| Yuba City, CA | $80,360 | 110 | $77,097 | 30% |
| Erie, PA | $80,280 | 140 | $88,268 | 17% |
| Napa, CA | $80,260 | – | $71,308 | 43% |
| Kennewick, WA | $80,090 | 360 | $80,027 | 25% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $79,620 | 80 | $84,690 | 20% |
| Stockton, CA | $79,540 | 320 | $75,688 | 37% |
| Boulder, CO | $79,390 | 360 | $75,464 | 33% |
| New Haven, CT | $79,380 | 570 | $75,919 | 31% |
| Carson City, NV | $79,170 | 80 | $80,679 | 31% |
| Fresno, CA | $79,160 | 770 | $77,488 | 31% |
| Riverside, CA | $79,160 | 3,390 | $74,369 | 38% |
| Longview, WA | $78,940 | – | $80,927 | 22% |
| Abilene, TX | $78,380 | 210 | $86,738 | 30% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $78,050 | 3,970 | $76,106 | 29% |
| Waterbury, CT | $77,630 | 230 | $77,803 | – |
| Bozeman, MT | $77,430 | 100 | $75,534 | 34% |
| Oxnard, CA | $77,400 | 660 | $70,024 | 46% |
| Modesto, CA | $77,370 | 230 | $74,317 | 32% |
| Lubbock, TX | $77,290 | 410 | $84,639 | 21% |
| Rockford, IL | $77,150 | 410 | $83,719 | 20% |
| Missoula, MT | $76,620 | 130 | $79,444 | 25% |
| Boise, ID | $76,280 | 740 | $77,527 | 30% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $76,120 | 230 | $69,566 | 36% |
| Hartford, CT | $75,990 | 930 | $73,959 | 32% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $75,910 | 390 | $69,901 | 44% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $75,860 | 420 | $81,947 | 20% |
| Miami, FL | $75,710 | 6,600 | $66,322 | 42% |
| Utica, NY | $75,060 | 150 | $80,990 | 23% |
| Barnstable, MA | $74,870 | 490 | $76,125 | 41% |
| Reading, PA | $74,760 | 160 | $77,025 | 25% |
| Buffalo, NY | $74,470 | 820 | $77,699 | 23% |
| Boston, MA | $73,990 | 8,510 | $68,341 | 48% |
| Baltimore, MD | $73,810 | 2,510 | $70,640 | 31% |
| Peoria, IL | $73,670 | 490 | $80,751 | 19% |
| Allentown, PA | $73,020 | 300 | $73,043 | 30% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $72,760 | 600 | $72,594 | 38% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $72,410 | 780 | $71,774 | 30% |
| Eugene, OR | $72,280 | 300 | $71,164 | 29% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $72,230 | 950 | $76,296 | 24% |
| Chico, CA | $71,830 | 350 | $70,980 | 26% |
| San Diego, CA | $70,900 | 2,880 | $63,368 | 50% |
| Albany, NY | $70,840 | 480 | $71,149 | 29% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $70,190 | 220 | $73,516 | 30% |
| Bloomington, IL | $69,270 | 170 | $74,056 | 22% |
| St. Louis, MO | $68,970 | 2,680 | $72,533 | 25% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $68,480 | 3,740 | $71,560 | 27% |
| Billings, MT | $68,100 | 130 | $72,814 | 24% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $68,060 | 180 | $78,534 | 20% |
| York, PA | $67,570 | 110 | $70,385 | 25% |
| Washington, DC | $66,980 | 7,610 | $61,515 | 43% |
| Evansville, IN | $66,840 | 330 | $73,027 | 20% |
| Springfield, MA | $66,720 | 830 | $69,456 | 35% |
| Worcester, MA | $66,310 | 1,360 | $64,678 | 38% |
| Providence, RI | $66,150 | 2,550 | $64,998 | 39% |
| Janesville, WI | $66,000 | 190 | $70,435 | 23% |
| Springfield, IL | $65,330 | 240 | $70,440 | 22% |
| Michigan City, IN | $65,230 | 160 | $71,148 | 22% |
| Redding, CA | $65,170 | 410 | $64,727 | 30% |
| Visalia, CA | $65,170 | 480 | $65,284 | 32% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $64,980 | 380 | $59,129 | 64% |
| Dallas, TX | $64,900 | 8,780 | $62,955 | 31% |
| Salem, OR | $64,900 | 330 | $62,615 | 30% |
| Anchorage, AK | $64,810 | 420 | $61,478 | 35% |
| Beaumont, TX | $64,540 | 380 | $71,674 | 24% |
| Merced, CA | $63,940 | 270 | $65,062 | 39% |
| Elkhart, IN | $63,760 | 270 | $70,590 | 22% |
| Racine, WI | $63,590 | 260 | $66,267 | 28% |
| San Antonio, TX | $63,360 | 2,910 | $66,895 | 27% |
| Medford, OR | $63,130 | 150 | $62,238 | 35% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $63,110 | 760 | $62,667 | 34% |
| Memphis, TN | $62,910 | 1,660 | $68,248 | 27% |
| Norwich, CT | $62,850 | 340 | $62,572 | 40% |
| Muncie, IN | $62,780 | 130 | $71,221 | 20% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $62,760 | 140 | $63,619 | 28% |
| Detroit, MI | $62,730 | 3,520 | $62,544 | 29% |
| Cleveland, OH | $62,720 | 3,660 | $66,778 | 28% |
| Waco, TX | $62,650 | 210 | $67,693 | 27% |
| Greeley, CO | $62,640 | 480 | $62,530 | 32% |
| Decatur, IL | $62,430 | 120 | $70,605 | 20% |
| Champaign, IL | $62,190 | 340 | $67,084 | 27% |
| Bend, OR | $62,140 | 250 | $59,977 | 43% |
| North Port, FL | $62,120 | 650 | $60,654 | 41% |
| Yakima, WA | $62,120 | 410 | $65,016 | 26% |
| Columbus, OH | $61,780 | 4,130 | $64,712 | 30% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $61,780 | 4,020 | $59,797 | 33% |
| Pueblo, CO | $61,560 | 170 | $67,087 | 26% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $61,460 | 1,590 | $67,981 | 27% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $61,370 | 170 | $68,984 | 24% |
| Waterloo, IA | $61,190 | 80 | $70,287 | 20% |
| Akron, OH | $61,140 | 1,240 | $65,481 | 26% |
| Albany, OR | $61,060 | 100 | $59,804 | 32% |
| Omaha, NE | $61,040 | 660 | $66,412 | 27% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $60,930 | 280 | $64,536 | 28% |
| Richmond, VA | $60,790 | 2,020 | $62,121 | 34% |
| Kansas City, MO | $60,770 | 3,000 | $65,667 | 30% |
| Watertown, NY | $60,700 | 120 | $69,221 | 30% |
| Sherman, TX | $60,650 | 160 | $64,679 | 27% |
| Toledo, OH | $60,590 | 1,010 | $66,251 | 25% |
| Scranton, PA | $60,410 | 190 | $64,571 | 27% |
| Lebanon, PA | $60,320 | 40 | $64,711 | 29% |
| Davenport, IA | $60,080 | 410 | $67,446 | 20% |
| Great Falls, MT | $60,080 | 70 | $62,037 | 29% |
| Sioux City, IA | $60,030 | 110 | $69,436 | 26% |
| Lima, OH | $60,020 | 150 | $66,935 | 24% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $60,000 | 930 | $58,623 | 37% |
| Kankakee, IL | $59,850 | 120 | $62,089 | 27% |
| Naples, FL | $59,850 | 520 | $57,994 | 52% |
| Lincoln, NE | $59,760 | 240 | $65,254 | 26% |
| Tampa, FL | $59,660 | 3,220 | $59,134 | 40% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $59,280 | 1,430 | $59,153 | 35% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $59,270 | 300 | $59,126 | – |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $59,150 | 1,000 | $58,641 | 33% |
| Houston, TX | $59,120 | 5,780 | $59,942 | 33% |
| Laredo, TX | $59,100 | 430 | $67,965 | 23% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $59,050 | 70 | $62,393 | 27% |
| Sebastian, FL | $59,010 | 230 | $60,026 | 43% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $58,940 | 2,060 | $59,246 | 34% |
| Lewiston, ID | $58,920 | 80 | $64,634 | 30% |
| Austin, TX | $58,830 | 2,300 | $59,990 | 33% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $58,820 | 200 | $59,841 | 37% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $58,570 | 3,380 | $61,413 | 31% |
| Manchester, NH | $58,560 | 760 | $55,425 | 44% |
| Syracuse, NY | $58,470 | 210 | $61,070 | 33% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $58,400 | 450 | $66,574 | 34% |
| Killeen, TX | $57,660 | 440 | $63,271 | 27% |
| Topeka, KS | $57,570 | 220 | $64,816 | 26% |
| Lansing, MI | $57,540 | 410 | $60,574 | 27% |
| Dayton, OH | $57,400 | 1,260 | $61,924 | 28% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $56,940 | 2,880 | $58,137 | 40% |
| Des Moines, IA | $56,910 | 730 | $62,060 | 27% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $56,640 | 250 | $59,555 | 37% |
| Crestview, FL | $56,620 | 440 | $58,352 | 42% |
| South Bend, IN | $56,450 | 440 | $60,792 | 27% |
| Madison, WI | $56,430 | 1,230 | $58,004 | 38% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $56,260 | 420 | $58,883 | 34% |
| Vineland, NJ | $55,780 | 60 | $58,124 | 35% |
| Hanford, CA | $55,220 | 110 | $54,344 | 42% |
| Burlington, VT | $54,990 | – | $54,473 | 57% |
| Clarksville, TN | $54,950 | 300 | $60,420 | 29% |
| Lancaster, PA | $54,890 | 110 | $55,864 | 34% |
| Lafayette, IN | $54,850 | 200 | $58,707 | 32% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $54,810 | 500 | $58,248 | 34% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $54,460 | 150 | $62,029 | 22% |
| Helena, MT | $54,260 | 80 | $56,713 | 36% |
| Yuma, AZ | $54,220 | 350 | $58,486 | 32% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $53,530 | 220 | $59,982 | 29% |
| Manhattan, KS | $53,290 | 120 | $59,105 | 28% |
| Fargo, ND | $53,130 | 270 | $58,467 | 25% |
| Lewiston, ME | $52,930 | 190 | $55,871 | 36% |
| Midland, MI | $52,800 | 60 | $57,441 | 31% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $52,200 | 120 | $57,653 | 26% |
| Lawrence, KS | $51,930 | 70 | $57,545 | 36% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $51,520 | 300 | $55,440 | 30% |
| Birmingham, AL | $51,050 | 2,370 | $55,705 | 33% |
| Johnstown, PA | $51,050 | 50 | $59,410 | 21% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $50,840 | – | $49,260 | 43% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $50,840 | 190 | $56,096 | 30% |
| McAllen, TX | $50,740 | 390 | $59,072 | 26% |
| Iowa City, IA | $50,600 | 90 | $55,295 | 42% |
| Niles, MI | $50,600 | 110 | $54,780 | 33% |
| Savannah, GA | $50,470 | 720 | $53,011 | 42% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $50,380 | 360 | $50,217 | 51% |
| Victoria, TX | $50,350 | 70 | $56,045 | 28% |
| El Paso, TX | $50,300 | 660 | $55,944 | 36% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $50,210 | 640 | $51,226 | 47% |
| Texarkana, TX | $49,940 | 180 | $59,444 | 30% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $49,760 | 2,130 | $51,332 | 37% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $49,690 | 230 | $52,766 | 39% |
| Ogden, UT | $49,490 | 640 | $49,318 | 40% |
| Staunton, VA | $49,410 | 80 | $54,220 | 35% |
| Gainesville, FL | $49,380 | 550 | $51,048 | 40% |
| Portland, ME | $49,320 | 1,340 | $48,420 | 56% |
| Nashville, TN | $49,300 | 2,170 | $51,174 | 44% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $49,240 | 460 | $50,114 | 46% |
| Hinesville, GA | $49,210 | 150 | $52,388 | 43% |
| Minot, ND | $49,060 | 80 | $56,373 | 31% |
| Montgomery, AL | $48,780 | 540 | $54,392 | 34% |
| Columbus, GA | $48,770 | 530 | $54,616 | 33% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $48,700 | 670 | $52,551 | 35% |
| Lakeland, FL | $48,560 | 560 | $49,989 | 45% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $48,460 | 160 | $48,037 | 47% |
| Amarillo, TX | $48,420 | 240 | $52,734 | 32% |
| Rapid City, SD | $48,160 | 220 | $54,015 | 36% |
| Dalton, GA | $48,110 | 180 | $53,548 | 35% |
| Little Rock, AR | $48,110 | 760 | $53,836 | 31% |
| Weirton, WV | $48,070 | 110 | $53,997 | 20% |
| Bangor, ME | $48,020 | 310 | $49,758 | 38% |
| Huntsville, AL | $48,010 | 530 | $51,584 | 35% |
| Green Bay, WI | $47,980 | 590 | $51,544 | 28% |
| Tucson, AZ | $47,960 | 830 | $49,496 | 37% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $47,870 | 340 | $51,985 | 40% |
| San Angelo, TX | $47,840 | 180 | $51,745 | 33% |
| Jackson, MI | $47,690 | 100 | $51,962 | 30% |
| Tulsa, OK | $47,600 | 960 | $53,355 | 35% |
| Augusta, GA | $47,540 | 510 | $51,728 | 37% |
| Bismarck, ND | $47,440 | 140 | $52,118 | 33% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $47,340 | 50 | $50,649 | 44% |
| Atlanta, GA | $47,300 | 6,350 | $47,273 | 47% |
| Sandusky, OH | $47,270 | 270 | $52,945 | 46% |
| Knoxville, TN | $47,160 | 970 | $50,946 | 44% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $47,030 | 140 | $53,458 | 26% |
| Traverse City, MI | $46,990 | 140 | $50,326 | 47% |
| Gainesville, GA | $46,870 | 450 | $48,436 | 44% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $46,860 | 260 | $47,264 | 52% |
| Kenosha, WI | $46,850 | 280 | $46,332 | – |
| Charleston, SC | $46,830 | 1,470 | $46,384 | 52% |
| Wausau, WI | $46,820 | 260 | $50,534 | 25% |
| Appleton, WI | $46,800 | 320 | $50,639 | 31% |
| Mobile, AL | $46,770 | 710 | $53,089 | 33% |
| Greensboro, NC | $46,600 | 1,970 | $50,180 | 36% |
| Panama City, FL | $46,580 | 250 | $47,875 | 45% |
| Albany, GA | $46,540 | 210 | $53,086 | 28% |
| Daphne, AL | $46,260 | 290 | $48,854 | 44% |
| Brownsville, TX | $46,220 | 310 | $53,760 | 39% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $46,210 | 220 | $52,504 | 33% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $46,170 | – | $45,929 | 48% |
| El Centro, CA | $46,080 | 180 | $48,417 | 47% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $46,060 | 560 | $50,359 | 39% |
| Deltona, FL | $46,010 | 640 | $46,303 | 46% |
| Mansfield, OH | $45,930 | 230 | $51,681 | 23% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $45,890 | 820 | $49,006 | 45% |
| Longview, TX | $45,820 | 270 | $51,204 | 30% |
| Pensacola, FL | $45,770 | 450 | $46,839 | 45% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $45,710 | 170 | $51,065 | 34% |
| Macon, GA | $45,660 | 450 | $51,577 | 32% |
| Raleigh, NC | $45,640 | 2,510 | $46,497 | 44% |
| Orlando, FL | $45,520 | 3,580 | $44,884 | 51% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $45,480 | 60 | $47,954 | 34% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $45,450 | 260 | $50,860 | 34% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $45,180 | 50 | $46,215 | 42% |
| Louisville, KY | $45,160 | 1,640 | $48,521 | 36% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $45,110 | 120 | $49,224 | 30% |
| Springfield, MO | $44,990 | 370 | $50,787 | 33% |
| Rome, GA | $44,780 | 100 | $49,667 | 34% |
| Monroe, MI | $44,730 | 70 | $47,844 | 34% |
| Saginaw, MI | $44,550 | 80 | $49,015 | 28% |
| Logan, UT | $44,440 | 80 | $46,327 | 39% |
| Auburn, AL | $44,400 | 230 | $50,493 | 43% |
| Pocatello, ID | $44,250 | 100 | $49,772 | 29% |
| St. George, UT | $44,140 | 190 | $45,355 | 50% |
| Kingsport, TN | $44,110 | 270 | $51,025 | 36% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $43,900 | 180 | $46,263 | 46% |
| Sumter, SC | $43,890 | 90 | $49,864 | 40% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $43,850 | 810 | $43,848 | 52% |
| Tyler, TX | $43,740 | 290 | $47,463 | 36% |
| Sebring, FL | $43,660 | 90 | $47,215 | 42% |
| Decatur, AL | $43,650 | 180 | $50,050 | 30% |
| Columbus, IN | $43,510 | 90 | $46,783 | 38% |
| Youngstown, OH | $43,420 | 630 | $49,683 | 29% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $42,820 | 280 | $47,466 | 41% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $42,420 | 950 | $44,397 | 42% |
| Wichita, KS | $41,900 | 790 | $47,107 | 35% |
| Beckley, WV | $41,770 | 80 | $47,268 | 30% |
| Gulfport, MS | $41,760 | 730 | $46,397 | 41% |
| Muskegon, MI | $41,580 | 140 | $44,942 | 37% |
| Wheeling, WV | $41,140 | 210 | $46,579 | 25% |
| Johnson City, TN | $40,720 | 100 | $46,311 | 44% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $40,330 | 270 | $43,001 | 45% |
| Canton, OH | $40,170 | 570 | $44,930 | 34% |
| Greenville, SC | $39,980 | 1,290 | $42,869 | 47% |
| Anniston, AL | $39,940 | 200 | $46,469 | 29% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $39,350 | 3,980 | $37,540 | 53% |
| Roanoke, VA | $39,310 | 540 | $41,990 | 43% |
| Flint, MI | $39,150 | 180 | $42,081 | 32% |
| La Crosse, WI | $38,900 | 250 | $42,389 | 42% |
| Joplin, MO | $38,850 | 150 | $45,323 | 38% |
| Charleston, WV | $38,780 | 230 | $43,712 | 37% |
| Charlotte, NC | $38,700 | 4,700 | $39,754 | 54% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $38,570 | 660 | $42,221 | 49% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $38,380 | 60 | $41,398 | 52% |
| Durham, NC | $38,350 | 1,220 | $39,304 | 51% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $38,220 | 130 | $44,245 | 32% |
| Alexandria, LA | $38,010 | 290 | $44,360 | 32% |
| Bloomington, IN | $37,620 | 230 | $39,565 | 56% |
| Shreveport, LA | $37,620 | 700 | $44,381 | 41% |
| Asheville, NC | $37,450 | 890 | $38,806 | 55% |
| Duluth, MN | $37,410 | 380 | $42,144 | 43% |
| New Orleans, LA | $37,250 | 1,110 | $40,228 | 51% |
| Florence, AL | $37,150 | 140 | $43,800 | 35% |
| Provo, UT | $37,110 | 460 | $37,778 | 57% |
| Columbia, SC | $36,960 | 1,060 | $39,461 | 51% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $36,940 | 110 | $40,105 | 51% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $36,820 | 850 | $40,031 | 47% |
| Gadsden, AL | $36,700 | 180 | $42,847 | 35% |
| Dothan, AL | $36,610 | 270 | $43,670 | 40% |
| Burlington, NC | $36,520 | 240 | $39,186 | 44% |
| Lawton, OK | $36,500 | 160 | $42,471 | 37% |
| Lexington, KY | $36,490 | 940 | $39,283 | 53% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $36,360 | 620 | $39,934 | 49% |
| Hickory, NC | $36,340 | 810 | $41,069 | 53% |
| Jackson, TN | $36,140 | 230 | $42,258 | 46% |
| Huntington, WV | $36,060 | 230 | $40,782 | 36% |
| Morristown, TN | $36,040 | 120 | $41,730 | 52% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $36,030 | 310 | $38,827 | 38% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $35,990 | 150 | $41,903 | 36% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $35,730 | 990 | $38,819 | 51% |
| Wilmington, NC | $35,580 | 780 | $36,900 | 59% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $35,500 | 100 | $40,130 | 51% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $35,240 | 250 | $39,078 | 41% |
| Rochester, MN | $35,200 | 230 | $38,758 | 54% |
| Jackson, MS | $34,970 | 530 | $39,271 | 50% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $34,630 | 50 | $40,326 | 43% |
| Valdosta, GA | $34,600 | 190 | $39,197 | 46% |
| Greenville, NC | $34,430 | 200 | $38,947 | 51% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $34,200 | 190 | $38,716 | 65% |
| Mankato, MN | $34,190 | 120 | $37,590 | 43% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $34,030 | 130 | $37,572 | 46% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $33,820 | 210 | $38,593 | 43% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $33,260 | 1,060 | $36,638 | 49% |
| Florence, SC | $32,570 | 340 | $37,534 | 56% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $31,440 | 90 | $36,673 | 47% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $31,200 | 300 | $31,589 | 75% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $30,830 | 130 | $35,181 | 51% |
| Lafayette, LA | $30,100 | 220 | $34,515 | 55% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $29,550 | 240 | $34,420 | 55% |
| Slidell, LA | $29,500 | 390 | $31,814 | – |
| Houma, LA | $28,360 | 170 | $33,324 | 55% |
| Hammond, LA | $28,330 | 170 | $33,543 | 56% |
| Monroe, LA | $22,800 | 280 | $27,274 | 62% |
What the median firefighter salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $59,280 |
| Month | $4,940 |
| Every two weeks | $2,280 |
| Week | $1,140 |
| Hour | $28.50 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a firefighter: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +3.7% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 26,800 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Game warden | $74,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| Police officer | $76,210 | High school diploma |
| Detective | $93,790 | High school diploma |
| Correctional officer | $58,940 | High school diploma |
| Security guard | $38,020 | High school diploma |
Questions about firefighter pay
How much does a firefighter make an hour?
The median is $28.50 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $16.79 and the top 10% over $48.58.
How much does a firefighter make a month?
About $4,940 a month before taxes at the median salary of $59,280, or $2,280 every two weeks.
What state pays firefighters the most?
New York, with a median of $100,960. Washington ($94,520), California ($85,120), New Jersey ($84,130) and Illinois ($78,380) follow.
Where do firefighters make the most after cost of living?
New York: its median of $100,960 is worth $93,550 at typical US prices. Washington, Illinois and New Jersey come next.
How much do entry-level firefighters make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of firefighters earn under $34,910 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $44,490, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a firefighter?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award). Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: long-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 33-2011 (Firefighters). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.