Fire Chief
Overtime 7%- Median base
- $142,000
- Entry step
- $125,000
- 90th percentile
- $168,000
Chiefs in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati command top salaries managing large metro departments.
View fire chief salaryOhio salary guideUpdated Jan 1, 2025
Ohio Firefighter Salary (2025)
Ohio firefighters saw significant wage increases in 2024-2025, led by Columbus IAFF Local 167's landmark 18% raise over three years. Statewide median compensation around $61K with strong union representation across major metros.
Median base pay
$60,964
+4.1% YoY
Average overtime
$11,200
From 7,500+ active personnel
Quick facts
- 18% over 3 years (2023-2025)Columbus contract increase
- $97K in ColumbusTop firefighter salary
- 7.5% effective Nov 2023IAFF Local 167 retroactive
- $60,964 median baseAverage statewide
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 11%- Median base
- $95,000
- Entry step
- $82,000
- 90th percentile
- $112,000
Command-level positions with strong IAFF contracts providing steady wage growth.
View battalion chief salaryCaptain
Overtime 14%- Median base
- $78,000
- Entry step
- $68,000
- 90th percentile
- $92,000
Company officers benefiting from 2024-2025 contract improvements across major metros.
View captain salaryEngineer
Overtime 15%- Median base
- $65,000
- Entry step
- $56,000
- 90th percentile
- $77,000
Apparatus operators with specialized training and equipment responsibilities.
View engineer salaryFirefighter / Paramedic
Overtime 16%- Median base
- $60,964
- Entry step
- $48,000
- 90th percentile
- $78,000
Columbus firefighters (500+ members) earn $60K-$70K range. Top earners reach $97K with seniority and overtime.
View firefighter / paramedic salaryProbationary Firefighter
Overtime 8%- Median base
- $45,000
- Entry step
- $42,000
- 90th percentile
- $54,000
Entry-level with academy training, progressing through step increases during first years.
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.
Columbus · Columbus Division of Fire
1,500+ career
$75,000 total comp
Average base pay$65,000
Overtime share 13% · Specialty pay included in total comp.
Cleveland · Cleveland Division of Fire
750+ career
$72,000 total comp
Average base pay$62,000
Overtime share 14% · Specialty pay included in total comp.
Cincinnati · Cincinnati Fire Department
850+ career
$73,000 total comp
Average base pay$63,000
Overtime share 14% · Specialty pay included in total comp.
Toledo · Toledo Fire & Rescue
450+ career
$67,000 total comp
Average base pay$58,000
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 | Columbus Division of Fire | Columbus | $98,000 | $12,000 | $110,000 | Internal promotion via competitive process |
| Captain | Cleveland Division of Fire | Cleveland | $82,000 | $11,000 | $93,000 | IAFF contract with regular step increases |
| Engineer | Cincinnati Fire Department | Cincinnati | $70,000 | $10,000 | $80,000 | Competitive compensation with speciality pay |
| Firefighter / Paramedic | Columbus Division of Fire | Columbus | $65,000 | $10,000 | $75,000 | 18% raise over 3 years (2023-2025) via IAFF Local 167 |
| Firefighter / Paramedic | Toledo Fire & Rescue | Toledo | $58,000 | $9,000 | $67,000 | Mid-range Ohio compensation |
Contract updates & budget highlights
Track adjustments that influence upcoming negotiations and pay plan refreshes.
Effective November 2023
Columbus IAFF Local 167 Contract (2023-2025)
Landmark three-year agreement delivering nearly 18% total raise: 7.5% retroactive increase from November 2023, 5% raise starting November 2024, and additional 5% increase starting November 2025. Top salary for Columbus firefighters reaches $97,000. Approximately 500 firefighters earn $60,000-$70,000 range. Contract addresses wage compression and retention challenges.
Multiple local agreements
Statewide IAFF Presence
Ohio has strong IAFF representation across all major metro areas with locals negotiating competitive contracts. Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo all maintain collective bargaining agreements ensuring regular wage increases and comprehensive benefits packages. State average $60,964 reflects mix of large metros and smaller municipalities.
Statewide retirement system
Pension and Benefits
Ohio firefighters covered under Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund (OP&F) providing defined benefit pensions. Standard retirement after 25 years of service. Healthcare benefits typically include medical, dental, vision for employee and family. Most departments operate 24/48 schedules.
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 Ohio firefighters?
Entry-level firefighter salaries in Ohio range from $42,000-$48,000 depending on location. Columbus starting pay is competitive at approximately $48,000-$52,000 base, with the top salary reaching $97,000 for senior firefighters. Cleveland and Cincinnati offer similar starting ranges of $45,000-$50,000. Smaller municipalities typically start $40,000-$45,000. Statewide median is $60,964.
How much did Columbus firefighters' salaries increase in 2024?
Columbus firefighters (IAFF Local 167) received a nearly 18% total raise over three years: 7.5% retroactive increase effective November 2023, 5% raise starting November 2024, and an additional 5% increase starting November 2025. This landmark contract addressed wage stagnation and retention issues. Approximately 500 Columbus firefighters earn between $60,000-$70,000, with top earners reaching $97,000.
What pension benefits do Ohio firefighters receive?
Ohio firefighters participate in the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund (OP&F), a defined benefit pension plan. Standard retirement eligibility is 25 years of service regardless of age, or age 52 with at least 15 years of service. OP&F provides lifetime monthly benefits, cost-of-living adjustments, and survivor benefits. Most departments also offer deferred compensation (457 plans) and healthcare benefits through retirement.
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.
- Columbus Firefighters Pay Raise Contract · 10TV Columbus October 2023
- ZipRecruiter Ohio Firefighter Salaries · 2024-2025 Salary Data
- Indeed Ohio Firefighter Salaries · 2025 Compensation Survey
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