Firefighters in the US earn a median of $59,280 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $44,490 and $77,250, and the top 10% earn more than $101,040 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $59,000 to $77,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do firefighters make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $34,910 |
| 25th | $44,490 |
| Median | $59,280 |
| 75th | $77,250 |
| 90th | $101,040 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Firefighters, national, about 345,990 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where firefighters earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $100,960 | $106,430 |
| Washington | $94,520 | $105,540 |
| California | $85,120 | $109,620 |
| New Jersey | $84,130 | $106,330 |
| Illinois | $78,380 | $103,530 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a firefighter?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $44,000–$59,000 | $62,000 |
| 3–5 years | $59,000–$77,000 | $81,000 |
| 6–10 years | $66,000–$85,000 | $89,000 |
| 10+ years | $77,000–$101,000 | $106,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives firefighter pay?
Firefighters respond to fires, medical emergencies and rescues. Most work for cities, counties or fire districts, where pay follows a public salary schedule and often a union contract — so individual negotiation is limited, but certifications, rank and overtime rules make a big difference.
- Public pay schedules with steps for years of service.
- Certifications such as paramedic, hazmat or technical rescue.
- Rank: engineer, lieutenant, captain.
- Overtime and shift schedules, for example 24-on/48-off.
Your leverage as a firefighter
- A paramedic certification, which many departments pay extra for.
- Prior service that could be credited on the step scale.
- Specialty certifications the department needs.
- Bilingual skills for the community you serve.
- Promotional exams passed.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Firefighter objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “Pay is set by the salary schedule.” | “Understood. Can my years at [department] be credited to start at a higher step?” |
| “Certification pay only starts after probation.” | “Could you confirm the amount and the date in writing?” |
| “Overtime is mandatory.” | “How is it assigned, and is it paid at time-and-a-half from the first hour?” |
| “Lateral hires start at step one.” | “Is there a lateral-entry policy, or a sign-on incentive for experienced firefighters?” |
Sample counter offer for a firefighter
Thank you for the offer. Before I accept, could you confirm which step I'll start on? With [number] years at [department] and my paramedic certification, I'd like to start at step [number] with the paramedic premium. The national median for firefighters is $59,280.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a firefighter
Raises come through steps, certifications and promotion. Plan for the next certification and promotional exam, and know when your union contract is negotiated.