Firefighting is a profession that is both one of the most respectable and one of the most demanding in the world. Firefighters risk their lives to protect citizens, save lives, and property. How much do firefighters earn for their bravery and dedication?
In this article, we will discuss the firefighter salary potential
Average Firefighter Salary in the United States
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for firefighters was approximately $52,500 as of the most recent data. However, salaries can range significantly depending on the state, city, and level of experience.
Entry-level firefighters may earn closer to $30,000 annually, while seasoned professionals in high-demand areas can make upwards of $100,000 per year.
Firefighter Salaries Across Major US Cities
All figures are in USD and represent base salaries for full-time firefighters
Northeast Region
| City | Starting Salary | After 5 Years | Maximum Salary* |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $45,196 | $85,292 | $110,000+ |
| Boston, MA | $56,000 | $76,000 | $98,000 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $52,000 | $71,000 | $92,000 |
| Washington DC | $55,000 | $75,000 | $95,000 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $47,000 | $65,000 | $85,000 |
Midwest Region
| City | Starting Salary | After 5 Years | Maximum Salary* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $54,000 | $72,000 | $94,000 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $51,000 | $69,000 | $88,000 |
| Detroit, MI | $48,000 | $65,000 | $82,000 |
| Cleveland, OH | $46,000 | $63,000 | $80,000 |
| Kansas City, MO | $45,000 | $62,000 | $79,000 |
South Region
| City | Starting Salary | After 5 Years | Maximum Salary* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL | $49,000 | $67,000 | $85,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | $48,000 | $66,000 | $84,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $52,000 | $70,000 | $88,000 |
| Houston, TX | $53,000 | $71,000 | $89,000 |
| Austin, TX | $52,000 | $70,000 | $88,000 |
| Nashville, TN | $45,000 | $62,000 | $79,000 |
| Charlotte, NC | $46,000 | $63,000 | $80,000 |
West Region
| City | Starting Salary | After 5 Years | Maximum Salary* |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $74,000 | $98,000 | $125,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $70,000 | $95,000 | $120,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $67,000 | $89,000 | $112,000 |
| Portland, OR | $62,000 | $82,000 | $102,000 |
| Denver, CO | $55,000 | $75,000 | $95,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $48,000 | $65,000 | $85,000 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $50,000 | $68,000 | $87,000 |
Maximum salary typically achieved after 15-20 years of service, excluding overtime and special assignments
Benefits Beyond Salary
For many people, salary is one of the first things that comes to mind when they consider the overall value of a firefighter career, but the benefits firefighters receive can also be quite substantial. Benefit packages often contain health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement, as examples.
Due to the nature of the job, many fire departments will offer life insurance as well as disability coverage.
Career Outlook for Firefighters
The demand for firefighters is expected to remain steady in the coming years. According to the BLS, employment of firefighters is projected to grow by about 6% over the next decade, which is on par with the average for all occupations.
Factors such as population growth, urbanization, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters contribute to the ongoing need for skilled firefighters.
How to Become a Firefighter
Before making application as a firefighter, you should fully understand the steps involved in applying as a firefighter. Fire departments typically require people to have a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a fire academy training program, and successful completion of both physical and written exams. Firefighters often conduct emergency medical care and are therefore required to become certified as an EMT as well.
How Much Do Firefighters Make Near Washington?
In the Washington, D.C. metro area (which extends into Maryland and Virginia), firefighter salaries are above average, along with the overall cost of living, which makes sense in a large urban area with a population as dense as this one.
Based on fresh statistics, firefighters earn between $65,000 and $75,000 per year in Washington, D.C.; DC’s local firefighter salaries Even so, seasoned firefighters or those in specializations may see a wage greater than $90,000 and above.
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Experienced Firefighter Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | $65,000 – $75,000 | $90,000+ |
| Maryland (near D.C.) | $60,000 – $70,000 | $85,000+ |
| Virginia (near D.C.) | $58,000 – $68,000 | $80,000+ |
How Much Do Firefighters Make Near Las Vegas, NV?
Firefighters in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area earn competitive salaries, reflecting the city’s growing population and the need for emergency services. On average, firefighters in Las Vegas make between $55,000 and $65,000 annually. Those with advanced certifications or leadership roles, such as fire captains or chiefs, can earn $80,000 or more.
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Experienced Firefighter Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV | $55,000 – $65,000 | $80,000+ |
How Much Do Firefighters Make an Hour?
Firefighters, for the most part, work for an hourly wage that varies based on geographical area, experience and rank. Firefighters across the U.S. typically get paid $15 to over $30 hourly.
New or inexperienced firefighters might receive the lower end of this figure to start with, but more experienced firefighters or firefighters in areas with a high cost of living might see $35 or more an hour.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $15 – $20 |
| Mid-Level | $20 – $25 |
| Experienced | $25 – $30+ |
How Much Do Firefighters Make a Month?
Firefighters earn a monthly income based on their annual salary and any overtime they may receive. Firefighter salary in the USA ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per month on average. For example, in states where pay is high, such as California or New York, monthly earnings can be above $6,000.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|
| $40,000 | $3,333 |
| $60,000 | $5,000 |
| $80,000+ | $6,666+ |
How Much Do Firefighters Make in California?
California, which is a state known for its high cost of living and frequent wildfires, has some of the highest-paying firefighter positions.
Professional firefighters earn an average of about $80,000 a year in California, and a veteran firefighter can earn $100,000 or more a year. In cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, the salary can go beyond $120,000.
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Experienced Firefighter Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California (State) | $80,000 | $100,000+ |
| Los Angeles | $85,000 | $110,000+ |
| San Francisco | $90,000 | $120,000+ |
How Much Do Firefighters Make a Week?
On a weekly basis, firefighters typically earn between $700 and $1,200, depending on their annual salary and overtime. For example, a firefighter earning $60,000 annually would make approximately $1,154 per week.
| Annual Salary | Weekly Earnings |
|---|---|
| $40,000 | $769 |
| $60,000 | $1,154 |
| $80,000 | $1,538 |
How Much Do Firefighters Make in NYC
Firefighters in New York City (NYC) are among the highest-paid in the nation due to the city’s high cost of living and the demanding nature of the job.
The average annual salary for NYC firefighters is approximately $85,000, with experienced firefighters earning $100,000 or more. Overtime and hazard pay can further increase earnings.
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Experienced Firefighter Salary |
|---|---|---|
| NYC | $85,000 | $100,000+ |
How Much Do Firefighters Make in Texas?
Firefighter salaries in Texas vary by city and region. On average, firefighters in Texas earn between $50,000 and $60,000 annually. In larger cities like Houston or Dallas, salaries can reach $70,000 or more for experienced firefighters.
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Experienced Firefighter Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Texas (State) | $50,000 – $60,000 | $70,000+ |
| Houston | $55,000 – $65,000 | $75,000+ |
| Dallas | $54,000 – $64,000 | $74,000+ |
Conclusion
While a difficult profession, firefighting is a very fulfilling life, and it pays well. Though average firefighter salary is close to $52,500 per year, your earning potential can vary depending on a number of factors including your location, experience level and even your specialization.
If you are someone who enjoys contributing back to the community and making an impact, a firefighter may be considered a financially and personally rewarding profession.
If you are starting your firefighter journey or want to take a step up the ranks, knowing the factors affecting firefighting salaries will assist you in making decisions for your future.
