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Firefighter Salary in Chicago, IL

Firefighter salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Firefighter Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026

The median Firefighter salary in Chicago, IL is $59,920 per year ($4,993/month, $29/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.

Entry Level
$41K
$20/hr
Median
$60K
$29/hr
Senior
$85K
$41/hr
Top Earner
$111K
$54/hr

Firefighter Take-Home Pay in Chicago

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$59,920
Federal Tax-$5,152
State Tax (5.0%)-$2,966
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$4,584
Annual Take-Home$47,218
Monthly Take-Home$3,935

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio35.0%
Median Home Price$320,000
Cost of Living Index107
City Median Salary$72,500
Firefighter vs City Median$-12,580

Firefighter Requirements

Education
High School Diploma + Fire Academy
Experience
Fire Academy
Job Growth
4.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Fire SuppressionEMTRescue OperationsHazmatEquipment Operation

Chicago Job Market Overview

Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Firefighter salary in Chicago, IL is $59,920 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Firefighters earn around $40,660, while senior-level professionals can earn $84,530 or more.
How much does a Firefighter take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Firefighter earning the median salary of $59,920 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $47,218 per year ($3,935/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 21.2%.
Is Chicago a good city for Firefighters?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Firefighters here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Firefighter in Chicago?
Key skills for Firefighters include Fire Suppression, EMT, Rescue Operations, Hazmat, Equipment Operation. Typical education requirement is High School Diploma + Fire Academy. Valuable certifications include EMT-B, Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Operations.
How does Firefighter salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Firefighter salary is $56,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $59,920, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Chicago, IL?

The median Firefighter salary in Chicago, IL is $59,920 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Firefighters earn around $40,660, while senior-level professionals can earn $84,530 or more.

How much does a Firefighter take home in Chicago after taxes?

A Firefighter earning the median salary of $59,920 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $47,218 per year ($3,935/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 21.2%.

Is Chicago a good city for Firefighters?

Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Firefighters here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Firefighter in Chicago?

Key skills for Firefighters include Fire Suppression, EMT, Rescue Operations, Hazmat, Equipment Operation. Typical education requirement is High School Diploma + Fire Academy. Valuable certifications include EMT-B, Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Operations.

How does Firefighter salary in Chicago compare to the national average?

The national median Firefighter salary is $56,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $59,920, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.