Working as a firefighter is a lucrative profession with greater job satisfaction. If you love saving lives and serving your country, becoming a fireman is a terrific job for you. But you should be warned that it may be stressful, complex, and even hazardous at times. So, how much do they get rewarded? Do firefighters make good money?
The average level firefighter earns roughly $50,850 per year, or $24.45 per hour, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, depending on location, this amount can vary substantially, and it’s crucial to realize that at least 10% of firefighters made only around $25,240. In contrast, the top 10% of firefighters earn more than $111,550.
In this post, you can learn how much firefighters are paid as a reward, their highest and lowest compensation levels, and how many benefits they receive as firefighters. Let’s look more closely at the earnings requirements for this position.
Also Read: Check out our other article about What Is Fire Department Funding?
How Much Are Firefighters Compensated?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CA has 7 of 10 leading highest paying metropolitan regions. And incomes ranging starts from $80,470 – $111,550, with other high-paying metro regions in New York, New Jersey, Washington, and Oregon.
However, higher wages may be compensated by high living costs.
For example, Los Angeles is one of the top 10 cities for the highest-paid firefighters. The starting compensation for a rookie is $63,216, while the principal earner is $92,400. With a median property price in the mid-$600,000s, however, life in L.A. may still be difficult for those in this field.
On the other hand, firefighters in the South make less money, but they can still live comfortably with a lower standard of living.
How does Ranking Differentiate Firefighters Salaries?
The firefighters’ command structure, ranking, or range starts from provisional worker to fire chief. A written test is frequently necessary for a promotion, and as a person advances in rank, their responsibilities and income increase.
While the average fireman earns around $40,000 per year, a lieutenant earns approximately $55,000, a captain earns about $60,000, and a fire marshal earns around $70,000.
What are the top ten cities with the highest pay for firefighter jobs?
We found ten cities where the average Firefighter wage is higher than the national average rate. San Jose, CA is at the top of the list, with Oakland, California, and Tanaina, AK coming in second and third, respectively.
Tanaina, Alaska, outperforms the national rate by $8,632 (19.4%), & San Jose, California, outperforms the national rate by $9,464 (21.3%).
Notably, the firefighter job market in San Jose, CA, is somewhat active, with only a few organizations now hiring for this position.
Because the pay rates in these ten cities are higher than the rate, the chances for financial success as a Firefighter look abundant.
Finally, the average pay in these top 10 cities differs only by 3% across San Jose, California, and Vallejo, CA, emphasizing the limited opportunity for wage advancement.
When comparing location and compensation for a Firefighter position, the chance of cheaper living costs may be the most crucial element to consider.
| Name of the City | Annual Salary Range |
| San Jose, CA | $53,886 |
| Oakland, CA | $53,272 |
| Tanaina, AK | $53,054 |
| Wasilla, AK | $53,053 |
| Hoboken, NJ | $52,886 |
Are There Any Benefits for Firefighters?
Overtime pay, education or training, paid holiday leave, sick leave, and reimbursements are standard benefits for firefighters. Firefighters generally work 12- or 24-hour shifts, which allows them to take longer breaks, which is seen as an advantage by most.
Early retirement is typical for firefighters; usually, a fireman is only expected to have 20 years on the job with their organization. However, the total amount of pensions may vary depending on the region and extra years of service.
For example, in Indiana, a prominent firefighter having 20 years of total service would earn a pension equal to 50% of a 1st-class firefighter’s wage, plus an extra 1% for every subsequent six months of comprehensive service, up to a maximum of 74 percent.
Aside from income information, anyone choosing this career should evaluate other things to ensure that it’s the right fit for them.
Also Read: Why Grooming Matter In Firefighters?
Is There Any Facility on Overtime and Supplemental Pay?
When you begin with a lower-than-average wage, there’s always a possibility for growth. As a firefighter, you’ll often earn incremental raises over time as you acquire experience and time with the station, as well as options for overtime.
This means that you can complement your existing entry-level salary by:
- Increasing your station hours (when available)
- Pursuing advancement to the positions of driver/engineer, captain, and beyond
- Continuing to work in the same department for an extended period.
Additionally, you can increase your compensation by obtaining additional training. The more adaptable your education, the more valuable you’ll be in your sector.
Numerous departments will compensate you for obtaining a paramedic license, being multilingual, completing specialized rescues or hazardous substances training, or completing other educational hours.
Related Questions FAQs
1. Is becoming a firefighter a good career choice?
In general, the firefighter is a fantastic job. In dynamic circumstances, it provides frequent opportunities to aid those in need in a genuine, significant way. This, however, can be stressful and challenging. Your sleeping routines may be affected, and you may be unable to contact your family for an extended period. But you will get paid enough salary instead.
2. Are firefighters satisfied with this job and salary?
Although it’s a dangerous career, firefighters are satisfied and happy with their jobs and salary. Indeed, of all professions, firefighters routinely earn some of the best job satisfaction ratings.
According to research conducted in Chicago, 80 percent of firefighters were highly satisfied with their career choice, compared to 47 percent for all jobs questioned.
3. What factors affect salaries in this profession?
If you spend more time in the firehouse, your salary grows. However, there’re several opportunities for overtime work, allowing you to earn more money in a shorter time.
4. Is it possible for firefighters to earn 100k in a year?
In some regions, firefighters might earn $100,000 or more each year. However, this is far more than the national average, and most firefighters would not earn six figures salaries. The pay rate is mainly determined by the location and the average living costs.
5. Is that able to survive on a firefighter’s salary?
Yes, a firefighter’s wage can provide a solid living and allow you to live a comfortable life; however, your lifestyles will vary depending on the job and the overall standard of living. The cost of things in your location impacts how financially comfortable you are the life you will lead just as much as that however much income you earn.
Final Words
Being a firefighter entails deciding to pursue a career that is both exciting and potentially risky. This is a noble profession. It necessitates an excellent level of effort and devotion to your community.
Furthermore, a man’s desire to pursue this vocation is piqued by the more excellent wage range. Do you still have questions about do firefighters make good money? I’m sure you’ve received all of your answers by now.
