Firefighters Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Firefighters in the United States is $59,280 per year — about $29 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $44,490 and $77,250 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Firefighters
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $152,100 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $99,930 |
| Bellingham, WA | $101,130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $113,700 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $106,420 |
| Ames, IA | $86,010 |
| Rochester, NY | $89,120 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $101,090 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $95,910 |
| Binghamton, NY | $81,810 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Firefighters make in the US?
The median salary is $59,280 per year (about $29 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $44,490 and $77,250 a year.
How much do Firefighters make per hour?
About $29 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $59,280 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Firefighters?
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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