Firefighter Salaries Overview
So, you’re curious about what those heroic folks in red trucks take home each year? Let’s dive into the dollars and cents of firefighters’ pay—because their wallets, unlike their spirits, don’t defy gravity.
Average Annual Salary
Firefighter paychecks are a mixed bag—like their gear, it varies. Experience, where they’re stationed, and a few other things shake things up. Based on data from Zippia, a firefighter in the USA makes, on average, $56,792 a year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) chimes in with a median yearly wage of $57,120 as of May 2023. The numbers jump around quite a bit:
- The bottom 10 percent earn under $31,600.
- The top 10 percent break into six figures, making over $93,720.
| Salary Percentile | Salary ($) |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | 31,600 |
| Median | 57,120 |
| Highest 10% | 93,720 |
Want to know how these figures change with a bit more time in the firehouse? Check out our section on how much do fire fighters make.
Hourly Rate
The hourly hustle of a firefighter is just as varied as their yearly haul. Zippia suggests an average hourly wage of around $27.3, but there’s more to the story. Overtime hours, location, and the nature of their role can all bump that rate. Folks in states paying top dollar, those on-call hours might just ring up more cash.
| Salary Metric | Value ($) |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | 27.3 |
| Median Hourly Rate | 27.5 |
So there you have it—a peek at how firefighters’ pay stacks up. If you’re thinking about stepping into their boots, more info awaits you in our guide on how do I join the fire service.
Firefighter Salary by Experience
When it comes to how much firefighters earn, experience is where it’s at. Let’s break it down for the three big groups: newbies, the folks who’ve been around for a hot second, and the seasoned pros.
Entry Level
Starting out in firefighting, with 0 to 2 years of experience, gets you an average salary of about $53K each year (Zippia). These rookies are fresh, learning the ropes, and figuring out how not to burn the toast at the firehouse.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $53,259 |
Mid-Career
After a few years in the field – say, 3 to 6 years – firefighters see their pay rise to nearly $57K annually (Zippia). These guys have done their time, likely taking on more duties and maybe even teaching the newbies a thing or two.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 3-6 years | $56,792 |
Senior Level
Once you’ve hit 7 to 12 years on the job, you’re looking at a hefty salary bump, with average yearly pay soaring to over $74K (Zippia). Senior firefighters take charge, lead the crew, and share their hard-earned wisdom while making sure everyone stays safe.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 7-12 years | $74,414 |
These numbers give a no-nonsense look at how a firefighter’s paycheck can grow with experience. If you’re curious for more deets on firefighter pay and what the road ahead looks like in this career, check out our detailed guide on how much do fire fighters make.
Regional Variances in Firefighter Salaries
Firefighter paychecks ain’t the same everywhere. Where you’re at plays a big role in how much you bring home. A lot of factors, like how much it costs to live there or how many firefighters they need, or even how deep the state’s pockets go, adjust those numbers. So, let’s crunch some numbers on where smoke-jumpers make the most and least in the U.S.
Higher Salary States
Grab your fire hose! Some states like to treat their brave firefighters with nice, fat paychecks. If you ever thought of moving your talents to where the money is good, then pack your bags for Indiana, Maine, or Florida. These states don’t mess around when it comes to keeping their fire folks happy with competitive greenbacks.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Indiana | $72,000 |
| Maine | $70,000 |
| Florida | $68,000 |
Interested in playing with fire for a living in these places? Look no further, catch all the deets on firefighter pay in our salary article.
Lower Salary States
Then there are those states running a tighter ship, with tighter wallets. If you’re sliding down the pole in Colorado, South Dakota, or Montana, your paycheck might be on the leaner side. Still, folks don’t do the job for the dough but for the heart—it’s about saving lives and helping out communities no matter the wage.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Colorado | $45,000 |
| South Dakota | $42,000 |
| Montana | $40,000 |
What’s behind these numbers? State budgets, living costs, lots of stuff go into that blender to determine what lands in our courageous firefighter’s bank accounts.
Thinking ’bout suiting up to fight fries (and fires) somewhere? Then understanding how salaries stack up is kinda a big deal. Want more intel on where to pull in as a firefighter? Take a peek at top paying cities for firefighter wages.
And hey, if you’re considering this path, we got more resources for ya: stuff like how to join the life-saving crew and the future scene of this career mission with job outlook info.
Top Paying Cities for Firefighters
Alright, folks! So you’re thinking about suiting up, hopping on a big red truck, and doing heroic stuff? Here’s the lowdown on where that can line your pockets the most!
East Chicago, IN
Rolling into East Chicago, IN, these fire heroes are bringing in the bacon. The average annual paycheck here kicks the national average to the curb. So, if it’s fat stacks you’re after, this Midwest gem might just be the place to ignite your firefighting ambitions.
| City | Average Annual Salary ($) |
|---|---|
| East Chicago, IN | $65,000 |
Thinking about career moves or want to know about the work vibe in high-dollar spots? Check out info on projected job openings.
Ocala, FL
Sunshine, oranges, and cha-ching! Ocala, FL, treats its firefighters well. The paychecks here are like the Florida weather—sizzling. It’s no wonder folks are suiting up for firefighting duty here in droves.
| City | Average Annual Salary ($) |
|---|---|
| Ocala, FL | $62,000 |
Need a getaway from the “how-to-firefighting” mundanity? We’ve got you covered with our guide on turning that pesky alarm off right here how do you turn off a fire alarm.
Manassas, VA
And then there’s Manassas, VA, where the fire crew is getting more than just smoke and flames. Their salary packages are pretty toasty too! With cash that’s positively blistering, Manassas is a solid choice for those looking to cash in while serving bravely.
| City | Average Annual Salary ($) |
|---|---|
| Manassas, VA | $60,000 |
Need some fire smarts or tips? Check what to do if sparks fly in our handy guide how do you put out an electrical fire.
In short, if you’re sizing up to be one of the fearless, these cities are making it rain for firefighters. East Chicago, Ocala, and Manassas are prime spots for making a living while doing good. Curious about the cash? Swing by and see what our money talks sum up for firefighters on how much do fire fighters make.
Salary Growth Over Time
Salary Increase Over the Past Decade
Imagine you’re wearing a firefighter’s boots, ready to make a difference and pay your bills. But how does this noble career stack up cash-wise? If you’re curious about how firefighter paychecks have grown, take a look at this. According to Zippia, the average firefighter was earning about $50,052 back in 2014. Fast forward a decade, and that number has climbed to $56,792, putting an extra $6,740 in their pockets over ten years. Not too shabby, right?
| Year | Average Yearly Pay |
|---|---|
| 2014 | $50,052 |
| Recent | $56,792 |
| Climb | $6,740 |
Percent Change
To really grasp the cash increase, it’s handy to check out the percentage change over those years. The average firefighter salary stepped up by about 6% from 2014 to now (Zippia).
| Year | Pay During Year | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $50,052 | – |
| Recent | $56,792 | 6% |
Firefighting is no doubt a job with heart, and the good news is that the wallet gets a little love too. Want more number crunching or insights into the life of a firefighter? Our guides spill the beans on pay details, job outlook, and what life is like in this heroic line of work.
Plus, if you’re interested in how shifts, the risks of the job, or employment opportunities play out for firefighters, tap into our other reads like fighting wildfires and the price tag on a fire truck.
Job Outlook and Working Conditions
Projected Job Openings
Firefighting isn’t just about sliding down a pole and racing off in big red trucks. It’s both tough and fulfilling, offering pretty solid job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, starting from 2023 to 2033, about 25,700 new firefighter positions pop up yearly. This growth rate keeps up with the demand for most occupations, suggesting a steady need for these bravery-bound heroes.
| Year Range | Projected Annual Openings |
|---|---|
| 2023-2033 | 25,700 |
The regular call for new firefighters stems from several sources—not just emergencies and natural disasters, but also filling in for those who retire or move on. Curious about jumping into this line of work? Check out how to start your journey on our how do I join the fire service page.
Working Hours and Shifts
Firefighters gotta be ready to roll anytime, and that means long shifts. Typically, they endure 24-hour stretches on duty, followed by a well-earned 48 to 72 hours off. This way, they’re ready to tackle whatever fiery adventures come their way while also getting some downtime.
| Shift Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| On-Duty | 24 hours |
| Off-Duty | 48-72 hours |
It’s not just about fires—it’s emergencies of all stripes. Whether it’s teaching folks about safety or keeping gear in top shape, their role can be unpredictable. For those wanting a peek into fire safety tips, like how to put out an electrical fire or figuring out how far to park from a fire hydrant, understanding these work routines can enhance appreciation for a firefighter’s day-to-day life.
Despite the challenges of unpredictable hours, firefighters enjoy an interesting mix of work and personal time. If you’re interested in getting a deeper look at firefighting topics, stuff like how do fire fighters put out wildfires on the ground or the hefty price tag on how much do fire trucks cost could be up your alley.