Fire Chief
Overtime 6%- Median base
- $138,000
- Entry step
- $118,000
- 90th percentile
- $162,000
Detroit and Grand Rapids chiefs lead compensation managing large urban departments.
View fire chief salaryMichigan salary guideUpdated Jan 1, 2025
Michigan Firefighter Salary (2025)
Michigan firefighters earn competitive mid-range salaries with strong IAFF representation. Detroit leads metro compensation while IAFF Local 3299 contracts show FF/Medic reaching $87K+ by 2025. Statewide median $61,253 with significant overtime opportunities.
Median base pay
$61,253
+3.8% YoY
Average overtime
$10,500
From 6,800+ active personnel
Quick facts
- Highest govt pay in stateDetroit top employer
- $87,477 by April 2025IAFF Local 3299 FF/Medic
- $66,234 base salaryGrand Rapids average
- $61,253 baseStatewide median
Salary snapshot by rank
Promotions add education incentives, specialty pay, and overtime opportunities. Use these benchmarks when budgeting for recruitment, retention, or union negotiations.
Analyst note
Overtime share rises rapidly for mid-career officers due to constant staffing and deployment rosters. Include projected overtime when evaluating total compensation.
Battalion Chief
Overtime 10%- Median base
- $92,000
- Entry step
- $79,000
- 90th percentile
- $108,000
Command positions with strong union contracts ensuring steady advancement.
View battalion chief salaryCaptain
Overtime 13%- Median base
- $75,000
- Entry step
- $65,000
- 90th percentile
- $88,000
Company officers with leadership responsibilities and specialty assignments.
View captain salaryEngineer
Overtime 14%- Median base
- $64,000
- Entry step
- $55,000
- 90th percentile
- $76,000
Apparatus operators with technical certifications for pumps and ladder operations.
View engineer salaryFirefighter / Paramedic
Overtime 15%- Median base
- $61,253
- Entry step
- $50,000
- 90th percentile
- $74,000
Detroit averages $67,045. Grand Rapids $66,234. IAFF Local 3299 contracts show FF/Medic at $87,477 (2025).
View firefighter / paramedic salaryProbationary Firefighter
Overtime 8%- Median base
- $46,000
- Entry step
- $43,000
- 90th percentile
- $55,000
Entry-level during academy and probation period with progressive step increases.
View probationary firefighter salaryTop cities by firefighter pay
Metro departments with specialty teams and higher cost-of-living deliver the largest base pay. Bars below represent average base wages, with notes on overtime share.
Detroit · Detroit Fire Department
1,050+ career
$77,545 total comp
Average base pay$67,045
Overtime share 14% · Specialty pay included in total comp.
Grand Rapids · Grand Rapids Fire Department
400+ career
$76,234 total comp
Average base pay$66,234
Overtime share 13% · Specialty pay included in total comp.
Warren · Warren Fire Department
200+ career
$71,500 total comp
Average base pay$62,000
Overtime share 13% · Specialty pay included in total comp.
Lansing · Lansing Fire Department
185+ career
$69,000 total comp
Average base pay$60,000
Overtime share 13% · Specialty pay included in total comp.
Detailed compensation table
Compare rank-by-rank compensation, including overtime trends and hiring notes that impact career planning.
| Rank | Department | City | Base pay | Overtime | Total comp | Hiring / promotion note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battalion Chief | Detroit Fire Department | Detroit | $98,000 | $12,000 | $110,000 | Top paying government employer in Michigan |
| Captain | Grand Rapids Fire Department | Grand Rapids | $78,000 | $10,000 | $88,000 | Strong IAFF local representation |
| Engineer | Warren Fire Department | Warren | $68,000 | $9,000 | $77,000 | Suburban Detroit metro compensation |
| Firefighter / Paramedic | IAFF Local 3299 Jurisdiction | Michigan | $87,477 | $11,000 | $98,477 | Contract through March 2028: $84,929 (2024), $87,477 (2025) |
| Firefighter / Paramedic | Lansing Fire Department | Lansing | $60,000 | $9,000 | $69,000 | State capital with competitive mid-range pay |
Contract updates & budget highlights
Track adjustments that influence upcoming negotiations and pay plan refreshes.
April 2023 - March 2028
IAFF Local 3299 Contract (2023-2028)
Five-year collective bargaining agreement covering full-paid Firefighter/Paramedic positions. Salary progression: $84,929 effective April 2024, increasing to $87,477 effective April 2025. Contract ensures regular step increases and comprehensive benefits. Represents significant wage growth for dual-certified FF/Medics across jurisdiction.
Current compensation structure
Detroit Fire Department - Top State Employer
City of Detroit identified as top paying government/public administration employer for firefighters in Michigan. Average salary $67,045 for Detroit firefighters. Strong union representation through IAFF locals ensuring competitive wages, benefits, and working conditions. High call volume creates consistent overtime opportunities.
Statewide retirement benefits
Michigan Firefighter Pension System
Michigan firefighters typically covered under local pension systems with defined benefits. Most departments offer 25-year retirement eligibility. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision for employees and families. Standard schedules include 24/48 shifts with consistent overtime availability due to emergency response demands.
Frequently asked questions
Answers sourced from contracts, HR briefings, and state statutes to help HR partners, union stewards, and candidates understand compensation.
What is the starting salary for Michigan firefighters?
Entry-level firefighter salaries in Michigan range from $43,000-$50,000 depending on location and certifications. Detroit starts around $50,000-$52,000 as the state's top public employer for firefighters. Grand Rapids offers similar entry compensation at $48,000-$52,000. Statewide median is $61,253. IAFF Local 3299 Firefighter/Paramedics reach $87,477 by April 2025 under current contract.
How much do Detroit firefighters earn?
Detroit firefighters average $67,045 per year, making Detroit Fire Department the highest-paying government employer for firefighters in Michigan. With overtime opportunities from high call volumes, total compensation typically reaches $75,000-$85,000. Detroit's urban environment and large department size (1,050+ career personnel) create consistent advancement opportunities and overtime availability.
What overtime opportunities exist for Michigan firefighters?
Michigan firefighters have frequent overtime opportunities due to 24/48 schedules and emergency response demands. Statewide average overtime is $10,500 annually (15% of total comp). High-volume departments like Detroit and Grand Rapids offer more OT potential. Overtime paid at time-and-a-half. Coverage for vacancies, special events, and minimum staffing requirements create consistent OT availability.
Sources & methodology
We compile collective bargaining agreements, municipal pay plans, and state payroll disclosures. Each dataset is timestamped so you can cite the most recent update in labor talks.
- Glassdoor Michigan Firefighter Salaries · 2025 Salary Data
- Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union · IAFF Local 3299 Contract Data
- Salary.com Michigan Firefighter Compensation · September 2025 Survey
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