Firefighter Salary (2025)
Entry-level firefighters combine fire suppression, rescue, and EMS response. Metro agencies balance higher base wages with heavy overtime, while combination departments lean on stipend programs.
- California – $87.4K medianTop paying state
- North CarolinaLowest cost-of-living premium
- 48/96 or 24/48Typical schedule
- 72% of career agenciesUnion coverage
Where Firefighters 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 $107,600
San José-Sunnyvale · ALS engines and wildland deployments drive stipends.
View state ladder90th percentile $95,800
Seattle-Tacoma · Strong cost-of-living adjustments and longevity pay.
90th percentile $79,600
Austin-Round Rock · Rapid growth fuels overtime and ALS incentives.
View state ladderSalary by state
Compare compensation across leading states. Bars show median base pay; hover notes capture overtime share and hiring highlights.
Academy classes quarterly; EMT-P bonus $5,500
Lateral program open · housing stipend $750/mo
ALS incentive $5,400 · lateral Step 3 start
Hurricane deployment stipend $350/day
Residency requirement within city limits
Relief Fund stipend $1,200 · EMT bonus
Career responsibilities
Entry-level suppression / EMS
- Perform fire suppression, rescue, ventilation, and overhaul operations under company officer direction.
- Provide BLS/ALS emergency medical care and assist with transport documentation.
- Maintain apparatus, equipment, and station readiness; complete daily drills and inspections.
- Engage in public education, hydrant testing, and community risk reduction initiatives.
Frequently asked questions
Use these talking points during budget presentations, union briefings, or career counseling sessions.
How much overtime do firefighters work?
Career firefighters average 240–300 overtime hours annually due to constant staffing and special assignments. Wildfire deployments and hurricanes can add premium overtime in affected regions.
Do firefighters receive hazard pay?
Hazard stipends vary. California, Florida, and Gulf Coast agencies add deployment stipends, while Midwest departments rely on specialty team premiums for hazmat or technical rescue.
What certifications increase firefighter pay?
Paramedic, technical rescue, hazmat technician, and bilingual skill pay are common incentives that add 5–12% over base wages.
Sources & citations
Each data point references an official contract, pay plan, or survey. Cite these documents when validating compensation budgets.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Firefighters (33-2011) · May 2024 release
- IAFF Local Contract Library · Accessed Jan 2025
- California State Controller Payroll Database · Extracted Jan 2025
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