Overview
Firefighter salaries vary widely based on jurisdiction and department size. Career firefighters in large urban departments — particularly in California, New Jersey, and New York — earn well above the national median. Volunteer or part-time departments pay significantly less or nothing at all. The 24-on/48-off shift schedule commonly results in substantial overtime earnings that push effective annual compensation well beyond base pay.
Highest-paying states
Annual median salary for Firefighters by state (BLS OEWS 2024–2026)
Lowest-paying states
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $28,000 |
| Alabama | $31,000 |
| Arkansas | $32,000 |
| South Carolina | $34,000 |
| Tennessee | $36,000 |
Benefits & total compensation
Base salary is only part of the picture. Government employers typically provide benefits packages that add 30–50% on top of base pay in total value. Key benefits for Firefighters include:
- ✓Defined-benefit pension (often retire at 50 with 50–90% of salary)
- ✓Full family health insurance
- ✓Overtime earnings on 24-hour shift rotations
- ✓Hazard pay for specialized assignments (HAZMAT, technical rescue)
- ✓Paid training and certification advancement
- ✓Line-of-duty death and disability protections
What affects your pay
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Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023–2024. Figures represent median annual wages for workers in the listed occupation. Total compensation including benefits, overtime, and pension contributions may differ substantially from base salary. Last reviewed: April 2026.