Firefighter Salary Guide (2025)
Firefighting is among the most respected careers in America — and in major cities with strong union contracts, it's also one of the best-compensated careers available without a four-year degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median of $54,650 for firefighters. But that number masks an enormous range: rural volunteer fire departments pay nothing, while FDNY firefighters with overtime and specialty pay earn $100,000–$150,000+.
Firefighter Salary by State (2025)
| State | Annual Mean Wage | Hourly Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $84,910 | $40.82 |
| New Jersey | $82,640 | $39.73 |
| New York | $82,940 | $39.87 |
| Washington | $80,840 | $38.87 |
| Massachusetts | $79,840 | $38.38 |
| Illinois | $68,840 | $33.10 |
| Nevada | $66,840 | $32.14 |
| Oregon | $65,840 | $31.65 |
| Maryland | $64,840 | $31.17 |
| Colorado | $63,840 | $30.69 |
| Connecticut | $67,840 | $32.62 |
| Minnesota | $62,840 | $30.21 |
| Arizona | $56,840 | $27.33 |
| Texas | $53,610 | $25.77 |
| Florida | $52,110 | $25.05 |
| Ohio | $54,840 | $26.36 |
| Virginia | $57,840 | $27.81 |
| Georgia | $47,810 | $22.99 |
| North Carolina | $46,840 | $22.52 |
| Tennessee | $44,840 | $21.56 |
Firefighter Salary by Rank
| Rank | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Probationary Firefighter | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Firefighter I / II | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Firefighter/Paramedic | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Engineer / Driver-Operator | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Fire Lieutenant | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Fire Captain | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Battalion Chief | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| Assistant / Deputy Chief | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| Fire Chief | $130,000 – $200,000 |
Benefits: The Hidden Value of Fire Department Employment
Salary numbers tell only part of the firefighter compensation story. Fire department benefits packages are among the most generous of any public sector career:
- Defined Benefit Pension: Many departments offer retirement at 20–25 years of service at 50–90% of final salary. A firefighter retiring at age 50 with a $70,000 pension has an asset worth $1.4–2.0 million in present value.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for the firefighter and often their family, frequently at low or no cost to the employee.
- Job Security: Civil service protection makes firefighter positions among the most secure employment in America.
- Physical Fitness Support: Many departments provide on-duty fitness time and gym facilities.
- Education Benefits: Tuition assistance for fire science, EMS, and related education is common.
How to Become a Firefighter
- Meet basic requirements: Typically 18+ years old, high school diploma, valid driver's license, no serious criminal history.
- Earn a paramedic certification: Many departments require or strongly prefer FF/PM candidates. This is the most important credential you can add before applying.
- Take civil service exam: Firefighter hiring goes through competitive civil service testing — written exam, physical agility test (PAT), medical exam, background investigation.
- Complete fire academy: 14–24 weeks of intensive training in fire suppression, EMS, hazmat, and rescue operations.
See the Firefighter Career Guide for civil service exam resources and academy programs in your state.
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