Firefighter
Firefighters respond to fires, accidents, and other incidents where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Firefighters typically do the following: respond to fires and other emergency calls, stop and prevent fires, and protect life and property.
$56,670
Median Salary
$60,637
Mean Salary
363,600
Total Employment
4%
Job Growth
About as fast as average
Postsecondary nondegree award
Education
25,452
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $34,002
25th Percentile $44,203
Median $56,670
75th Percentile $72,538
90th Percentile $95,206
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 52,841
Texas 19,463
Florida 17,322
New York 16,765
Ohio 16,715
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $109,729 |
| 2 | California | $92,655 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $82,905 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $80,705 |
| 5 | Maryland | $77,665 |
| 6 | Washington | $76,914 |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $76,665 |
| 8 | New York | $75,973 |
| 9 | New Jersey | $73,765 |
| 10 | Alaska | $72,708 |
| 11 | Nevada | $71,219 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $67,698 |
| 13 | Delaware | $65,594 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $65,431 |
| 15 | Florida | $64,479 |
| 16 | Oregon | $64,309 |
| 17 | Vermont | $63,659 |
| 18 | Virginia | $60,517 |
| 19 | North Carolina | $59,416 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | $59,254 |
| 21 | South Carolina | $58,629 |
| 22 | Montana | $58,263 |
| 23 | Maine | $58,214 |
| 24 | New Hampshire | $57,432 |
| 25 | North Dakota | $57,283 |
| 26 | Colorado | $56,825 |
| 27 | Nebraska | $56,758 |
| 28 | Utah | $56,719 |
| 29 | Arizona | $56,705 |
| 30 | Minnesota | $56,014 |
| 31 | Indiana | $55,671 |
| 32 | Missouri | $55,458 |
| 33 | Illinois | $54,712 |
| 34 | South Dakota | $51,484 |
| 35 | Michigan | $50,388 |
| 36 | Wyoming | $49,506 |
| 37 | Idaho | $49,305 |
| 38 | New Mexico | $48,470 |
| 39 | Tennessee | $48,160 |
| 40 | Kansas | $47,917 |
| 41 | Oklahoma | $47,671 |
| 42 | Kentucky | $47,595 |
| 43 | Ohio | $47,424 |
| 44 | Texas | $47,419 |
| 45 | West Virginia | $47,333 |
| 46 | Georgia | $47,245 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $46,878 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $46,446 |
| 49 | Alabama | $44,793 |
| 50 | Iowa | $42,874 |
| 51 | Mississippi | $42,593 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Firefighter?
The median salary for a Firefighter is $56,670 per year nationally. Salaries range from $34,002 (10th percentile) to $95,206 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Firefighter?
A Firefighter typically requires a postsecondary nondegree award. Additional on-the-job training: long-term on-the-job training.
What is the job outlook for Firefighters?
Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4% — about as fast as average. About 25,452 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Firefighters the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for firefighters at $109,729 per year.