Firefighter Salary in 2026
Firefighters respond to fires, accidents, and medical emergencies, protecting lives and property. They maintain equipment, conduct fire inspections, and provide public safety education.
Median Salary
$56,000
$4,667/mo
Entry Level
$38,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$79,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Firefighter Overview
Firefighters respond to fires, accidents, and medical emergencies, protecting lives and property. They maintain equipment, conduct fire inspections, and provide public safety education.
Education
High School Diploma + Fire Academy
Experience
Fire Academy
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
330K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$26.92/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,667
Firefighter Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Firefighter salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Firefighter Salary
$65,000
$5,417/month · $2,500/biweekly · $31.25/hr
Firefighter Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Firefighter field.
Entry-level Firefighters earn around $38,000, while the top 10% earn $91,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Firefighters
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $66,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $64,000 | +$8,000 |
| Texas | $55,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $55,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $53,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Firefighters
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $66,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $63,000 | +$7,000 |
| Miami | $57,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $55,000 | $-1,000 |
| Columbus | $53,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Firefighter Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Firefighter from entry level to expert.
$38,000
0-2 years
$59,000
3-7 years
$79,000
8-14 years
$104,000
15+ years
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Firefighter Salary FAQ
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