How much do firefighters make?
Firefighters earn a median of about $59,530 per year, or roughly $28.62 per hour, according to the most recent BLS data. Entry-level pay starts near $36,000 to $40,000, while top earners exceed $101,000 before overtime.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $36,000 - $40,000 | Starting pay before overtime; roughly $17 to $19 per hour |
| Median (national) | $59,530 / yr | BLS median wage; about $28.62 per hour |
| 25th percentile | ~$45,500 / yr | Lower-paying departments and early-career firefighters |
| 75th percentile | ~$69,000 / yr | Experienced firefighters and higher-paying departments |
| Top earners (90th pct.) | $101,000+ / yr | Senior firefighters, officers, and high-cost-of-living areas, before overtime |
Median firefighter pay
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for firefighters is about $59,530, which works out to roughly $28.62 per hour. Median means half of firefighters earn more and half earn less, making it a more representative figure than a simple average.
Hourly figures for firefighters can be tricky because of their schedules, which often involve long shifts such as 24 hours on followed by 48 off. Overtime, holiday pay, and shift differentials frequently push actual take-home pay above the base hourly rate.
Range from entry level to top earners
New firefighters typically start around $36,000 to $40,000 per year, or roughly $17 to $19 per hour, before overtime. As they gain experience, certifications, and rank, pay climbs: the 25th percentile sits near $45,500 and the 75th percentile around $69,000.
At the top, the highest-paid 10 percent of firefighters earn more than $101,000 per year before overtime, and senior officers in high-cost metro departments can exceed that. EMT and paramedic certifications, promotions to engineer, lieutenant, or captain, and generous overtime are the main paths to the upper end of the range.
What drives firefighter pay
Location is the largest factor. Large urban and high-cost-of-living departments, especially in California and the Northeast, pay well above the national median, while smaller and rural departments pay less. Department size and the local tax base directly shape budgets and wages.
Rank, years of service, and certifications also matter. Firefighters who hold paramedic credentials, take on specialized roles such as hazmat or rescue, or rise into officer positions earn more. Overtime is a substantial part of many firefighters' real annual income, often adding thousands above base pay.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median firefighter salary?
- About $59,530 per year, or roughly $28.62 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- How much do entry-level firefighters make?
- Starting pay is typically around $36,000 to $40,000 per year before overtime, climbing with experience, rank, and certifications.
- Can firefighters earn six figures?
- Yes. The top 10 percent earn more than $101,000 per year before overtime, with senior officers in high-cost departments earning the most.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.