Firefighter Salary in US 2024 – Per Month, Category Wise

In the United States, the average salary for firefighters in 2024 was about $50,700. The highest 25% earned around $72,200, and the lowest 25% made $38,027, showing the diverse firefighter salary in US.

A skilled professional, known as a Firefighter or Fireman, plays a pivotal role in rescuing individuals, property, and communities from fire-related dangers, whether caused by natural disasters or human activities. Their expertise involves controlling and extinguishing fires while also serving as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to address immediate medical needs.

Firefighter salary in US: State wise

State plays an important role when deciding the salary of a firefighter. A firefighter working in metro state will be paid more than the one working in tier2 or tier3 states. mentioned below are the firefighter salary by State of US.

State	Annual salary(USD)
Alabama	$52,450
Alaska	$78,230
Arizona	$62,170
Arkansas	$47,800
California	$79,520
Colorado	$64,390
Connecticut	$74,100
Delaware	$69,210
Florida	$56,980
Georgia	$54,100
Hawaii	$70,450
Idaho	$59,320
Illinois	$69,740
Indiana	$57,500
Iowa	$58,110
Kansas	$59,870
Kentucky	$51,230
Louisiana	$52,760
Maine	$59,490
Maryland	$74,850
Massachusetts	$77,310
Michigan	$63,200
Minnesota	$67,850
Mississippi	$45,780
Missouri	$57,290
Montana	$60,560
Nebraska	$58,930
Nevada	$71,840
New Hampshire	$64,270
New Jersey	$78,910
New Mexico	$58,570
New York	$79,830
North Carolina	$53,740
North Dakota	$64,090
Ohio	$62,540
Oklahoma	$54,960
Oregon	$66,720
Pennsylvania	$66,470
Rhode Island	$70,120
South Carolina	$53,210
South Dakota	$60,790
Tennessee	$54,850
Texas	$59,300
Utah	$63,640
Vermont	$63,900
Virginia	$64,920
Washington	$74,480
West Virginia	$52,100
Wisconsin	$63,080
Wyoming	$64,700

Firefighter salary in US: Experience wise

Experienced firefighters are compensated more than freshers because of their skills and expertise. It is one of the major factors that determines the salary. Mentioned below is the list of firefighter’s salary based on experience in US.

Factor	Average Salary Range (USD)
Freshers	$37,000 to $39,000
Mid-level	$50,000 to $51,000
Experienced	$71,000 to $73,000

Firefighter salary in US: Designation Wise

In the fire department, there are many designations with similar roles and duties. Firefighting is an evolving profession with different salary range depending on varied designations. The salaries of top firefighter salaries are mentioned below:

Designation	Average annual salary (USD)
Firefighter	$57,850
Fire Captain/Lieutenant	$72,560
Fire Engineer	$75,420
Fire Inspector	$77,390
Fire Chief	$98,270

Firefighter Salaries: Company wise

Firefighters are hired by not just government organizations but also many private companies. Mentioned below is the list of top companies hiring firefighters and the salaries paid.

Department Type	Average Annual Salary Range
Municipal Fire Departments:	$52,000 – $78,000
County Fire Departments:	$53,000 – $75,000
State Fire Departments:	$55,000 – $80,000
Federal Fire Departments:	$58,000 – $90,000+

Firefighter Salary in US: Eligibility

Firefighter salary in the US depends on eligibility factors like:

• Citizenship: US citizen or green card holder required.
• Age: Typically over 18, some departments require 21+.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (some prefer associate’s degree).
• Physical fitness: Must pass rigorous physical tests.
• Vision: No uncorrected vision problems, correctable to 20/20.
• Hearing: No significant hearing loss.
• Criminal background: Must pass background checks.
• Driver’s license: Valid driver’s license required.

Top Skills required for Firefighters in US

In this investigation, we get into the necessary abilities that firemen need to develop to handle modern emergencies.

Firefighter’s Skills	Details
Fire Fighting	A firefighter’s toolbox starts with fundamental techniques. This entails – Understanding flames, using firefighting gear well, and using resources intelligently. Firefighters need ongoing training and experience to stay current in fire suppression. Changing fire dynamics can only be addressed then.
Fire Safety	Firefighting emphasizes prevention and response equally. To recognize risks, assess risk, and follow fire safety requirements, firefighters need significant training. To reduce fire frequency and severity, public education on fire prevention and safety in various contexts is as important as fighting flames.
Tech Services	Technology has tremendously altered emergency response. Modern firefighters must be proficient with cutting-edge equipment. Thermal imaging cameras, aerial inspection drones, and others help firefighters navigate complex situations.
Networking	Effective emergency response requires communication. Firefighters must communicate properly inside and between units and with other emergency agencies. Emergency response involves the ability to share crucial information, collaborate, and coordinate actions. Networking involves communicating with community members, building trust, and strengthening the community.
Analytical	In situations, firefighters must swiftly and properly assess the situation. Due to their analytical skills, they can assess fires, identify threats, and make quick judgments. Crisis management requires prioritization, resource allocation, and evacuation plans. Firefighters who understand complex situations can respond and mitigate risk.
Operations	Structured and successful emergency response requires efficient operations. Firefighters must know resource management, people and equipment coordination, and incident command systems. Disasters of all magnitude can be better responded to with less wasted effort and better resource distribution.
Aviation	Cooperation with aircraft units becomes critical in specific emergency scenarios. Aerial firefighting, rescue operations, or reconnaissance could be part of this. Especially in areas where aviation is crucial to the overall response strategy. Firefighters must be well-versed in aerial firefighting techniques. They must have experience coordinating with pilots, and understand aviation rules to incorporate air support into emergency response strategies without a hitch.
Safety Management	The proactive skill of safety management goes beyond what is normally associated with firefighting. It is the responsibility of firefighters to create and enforce safety regulations, evaluate potential dangers, and make sure that everyone follows them. The safety of firemen and the communities they protect is enhanced by this all-encompassing method, which reduces the possibility of accidents occurring during emergency operations.
Petrochemical	As industrial processes become more sophisticated, firemen in petrochemical environments may face hazardous compound situations. It’s crucial to understand these compounds and have specific reaction techniques to reduce industrial mishaps. Firefighters must be ready to handle chemical, gas, or other emergencies.
Finance	Financial skills are increasingly needed for firefighters and fire organizations. Firefighting groups need good budget management, resource allocation, and spending rationale to survive. Fire departments can better serve the community and aid in emergency response operations when their members have a firm grasp of financial management.
Incident	Incident command systems training is essential for firefighters so they can efficiently manage and coordinate responses to a wide range of incidents. Coordination of response actions, management of resources, and strategy adaptation in response to the dynamic nature of an incident are essential components of incident management. This ability guarantees a unified and structured approach to crisis management, which reduces chaos and boost’s reaction efficiency.
Industrial Safety	In a wide variety of industrial settings, where complicated and dangerous circumstances are more likely to occur, firefighters with training in industrial safety are better able to respond to emergencies. Firefighters who respond to areas densely populated by industrial establishments must possess an essential understanding of industrial safety protocols. Part of this is being familiar with the specific difficulties of industrial catastrophes and developing and executing targeted plans to lessen those risks.
Radio	In times of crisis, the ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Firefighters rely on radios to communicate with one another, plan operations, and share information with other emergency services. Being able to communicate effectively via radio is a must for first responders in an emergency since it speeds up the dissemination of vital information.
Emergency	In addition to responding to fires, firefighters frequently arrive on the scene of many other types of crises. Medical emergencies, catastrophic events, and the release of dangerous substances all fall under this category. Firefighters are better able to respond to and help people in times of crisis if they have received training to deal with a wide variety of catastrophes. Being able to adapt to different types of emergencies requires this level of versatility.
Airport	Airport fire stations have their own set of specific issues that their firefighters must be well-versed in. Airport protocols, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) procedures, and knowledge of aviation-specific crises are all part of this. Firefighters with training in airport-specific emergency response are better able to respond to situations on airport property with the speed and efficiency necessary to save lives and property.

5 Duties of a Firefighter

• They must be flexible with their time.
• They must work effectively as a team to succeed.
• The Fire departments must be ready 24/7.
• They must have strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• They should be ready to work in dangerous and stressful situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, firefighters in the USA earn an average annual salary of $57,850, ranging from $45,500 to $90,000+. These figures illustrate that experience, location, and department size affect firefighter compensation. The salary gap reflects the varied expectations and responsibilities firefighters face across the country. Some make less in smaller towns or rural areas, while others command higher salaries in larger cities or specialized units like forestry or aviation. The average annual compensation of $57,850 provides a general salary expectation for firefighters who safeguard communities from fires and emergencies.

FAQs: Firefighter Salary in US

1. What is the average annual salary range for firefighters in the US?

In the US, firefighters earn between $45,500 and $90,000+, with a national median of $57,850. Salaries vary based on experience, location, department size, specialization, and union representation.

2. What factors determine the salary of firefighters in the US?

Firefighter salaries depend on factors like experience, location, department size, specialization, and union representation. Individual departments may have unique wage scales and bonus structures.

3. What are the top designations and their corresponding average annual salaries for firefighters in the US?

In the US, firefighters earn an average of $57,850, while designations like Fire Captain/Lieutenant average $72,560, Fire Engineer $75,420, Fire Inspector $77,390, and Fire Chief $98,270. Actual salaries vary.

4. How does geographical location affect firefighter salaries in the US?

Geographical location significantly influences US firefighter salaries. Major cities offer higher averages (over $80,000), while smaller towns or rural areas average around $50,000, reflecting differences in living costs and department budgets.

5. What are the essential skills required for firefighters in the US?

US firefighters need proficiency in firefighting techniques, physical fitness, decision-making, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and mental resilience to handle stress and emergencies effectively.