Deputy Chief Salary (2025)
Deputy Chiefs oversee divisions such as operations, support services, or administration. Compensation includes executive perks, vehicle stipends, and performance bonuses.
- $141,400Median total comp
- Vehicle + $4,800 technologyExecutive stipends
- 3–5 battalion chiefsTypical reports
- Merit pay 3–5% in some municipalitiesBonus potential
Where Deputy Chiefs earn the most
Coastal metros with strong union contracts, specialty team incentives, and cost-of-living adjustments lead compensation. Use these comparables to inform negotiations and career moves.
Top-paying states pair higher base wages with large overtime budgets. Consider total compensation, not just salary, when benchmarking offers.
90th percentile $182,400
Bay Area Metro · Executive car allowances, wildfire deployments, and COLA increases.
View state ladder90th percentile $158,200
Dallas-Fort Worth · Longevity and merit pay included in meet-and-confer.
View state ladder90th percentile $148,300
Miami-Dade · Hurricane activation stipend and executive housing support.
View state ladderSalary by state
Compare compensation across leading states. Bars show median base pay; hover notes capture overtime share and hiring highlights.
Executive leave bank + housing stipend
Merit pay 3% · vehicle take-home program
Hurricane activation stipend $450/day
Executive leadership track with residency incentives
Flexible work schedule · education reimbursement
Executive wellness stipend $1,500
Career responsibilities
Executive division leadership
- Lead departmental divisions (operations, EMS, training, logistics) with executive authority.
- Develop budget proposals, manage capital planning, and align resources with strategic goals.
- Serve as incident commander for major events and citywide emergencies.
- Coordinate inter-agency partnerships, labor relations, and policy development.
Frequently asked questions
Use these talking points during budget presentations, union briefings, or career counseling sessions.
Are deputy chiefs exempt from overtime?
Some agencies classify deputy chiefs as Fair Labor Standards Act exempt, providing executive leave instead. Others retain FLSA coverage due to 56-hour schedules.
What education is typical?
Most deputy chiefs hold bachelor's degrees; 60% report master's degrees in public administration, homeland security, or organizational leadership.
Do deputy chiefs have employment contracts?
Larger cities use employment agreements outlining term, evaluation, and severance; others appoint deputies as classified civil service positions.
Sources & citations
Each data point references an official contract, pay plan, or survey. Cite these documents when validating compensation budgets.
- International Association of Fire Chiefs – Executive Leadership Survey · 2024 Survey Results
- Dallas Fire-Rescue Executive Pay Ordinance · FY 2025
- Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Executive Compensation Plan · Adopted Oct 2024
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