Firefighter Salary in USA 2025
Base pay, overtime earnings, pension benefits, and city comparison
Base Salary (Before Overtime)
How Much Do Firefighters Earn in 2025?
Firefighters are emergency response professionals who protect lives and property from fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous situations. They work in one of America's most respected professions—and compensation reflects both the danger and importance of the work.
2025 firefighter compensation is complex: base pay typically ranges $54,000–$85,000 starting, but total compensation with overtime often reaches $100,000–$200,000+ in major cities. Understanding the full picture requires looking beyond base salary.
Overtime is a major component: Chicago firefighters average $198,346 with overtime, while FDNY firefighters make $105,146+ after 5 years including overtime and holiday pay. Pensions and benefits add significant additional value—defined-benefit pensions typically provide 50% of base salary after 20 years, increasing by 1% per additional year of service. Many experienced firefighters reach $100K+ in total compensation. For related careers, see police officer salary. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
Base Pay Salary Ranges
Base pay represents the foundation of firefighter compensation—before overtime, which often doubles total earnings.
| Experience Level | Base Annual Salary (Before Overtime) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level/Probationary | $45,000–$60,000 |
| FDNY starting (baseline) | $54,122 |
| 5 years experience | $65,000–$75,000 |
| 10+ years experience | $75,000–$95,000 |
| Lieutenant | $85,000–$110,000 |
| Captain | $95,000–$120,000 |
| Battalion Chief | $110,000–$140,000 |
Pay Scale Progression
Most fire departments use step-based pay scales with annual increases for the first 5–10 years. FDNY, for example, provides guaranteed raises through Year 5, after which compensation exceeds $105,146 including overtime and holiday pay. Promotional exams open paths to lieutenant, captain, and chief ranks with substantial pay increases.
Overtime Pay: The Biggest Earnings Driver
Overtime dramatically increases total firefighter compensation. Many departments rely heavily on overtime to maintain coverage, creating significant earning opportunities.
Overtime Impact on Total Compensation
Chicago Fire Department: Average total compensation reaches $198,346 with overtime—significantly above base salary.
FDNY: After 5 years, total compensation exceeds $105,146 including overtime and holiday pay.
Top earners: The top 10% of firefighters nationwide earn significantly above median due to consistent overtime hours, specialized skills, and seniority.
Why Overtime Is So Prevalent
Fire departments must maintain minimum staffing 24/7/365. When firefighters take vacation, call in sick, or positions remain unfilled, overtime fills the gaps. This creates reliable opportunities for those willing to work extra shifts.
2025–2028 Overtime Tax Break
The "Big Beautiful Bill" includes a temporary tax-free overtime provision for 2025–2028. If individual income is below approximately $160,000, firefighters can deduct overtime earnings from taxable income "above the line" (reduces gross income). This means a significant after-tax boost for firefighters working substantial overtime.
Important note: Overtime typically doesn't count toward pension calculations in many departments—pensions are based on base salary or fixed formulas. Plan accordingly for retirement.
Total Compensation by Major City/Department
Location dramatically impacts firefighter earnings. Major cities with strong unions, high cost of living, and heavy call volumes pay significantly more.
| City/Department | Starting Base | Total Comp (5+ yrs w/OT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire Dept | $55,000–$65,000 | ~$198,346 avg | Very high OT opportunities |
| LAFD (Los Angeles) | $60,000+ | $150,000–$180,000+ | Among highest-paying |
| FDNY (New York) | $54,122 | $105,146+ after 5 yrs | Includes OT & holiday pay |
| San Francisco FD | $65,000+ | $150,000–$200,000+ | High cost of living area |
| Seattle Fire Dept | $60,000+ | $130,000–$170,000 | Strong union contract |
| Houston Fire Dept | $50,000+ | $90,000–$130,000 | Lower cost of living |
| Federal (Wildland) | Varies by GW grade | Varies | 1.91% increase March 2025 |
Factors Driving Variation
Cost of living: San Francisco and NYC departments pay more to offset housing costs.
Union strength: Strong firefighter unions negotiate better contracts.
Call volume: Busy departments often have more overtime available.
Specialty pay: Hazmat, paramedic, and technical rescue certifications add premiums.
Pension Benefits and Retirement
Firefighter pensions represent significant long-term value—often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over retirement.
Defined-Benefit Pension Structure
After 20 years: Firefighters typically receive 50% of base salary (or average of highest 3 years) as annual pension.
Each additional year beyond 20: Adds approximately 1% more to pension percentage.
Example progression: 20 years = 50%, 25 years = 55%, 30 years = 60%
Pension Calculation Example
Firefighter with 25 years service and $80,000 final base salary: Annual pension = $44,000 (55% of $80,000). This pension continues for life, often with cost-of-living adjustments and survivor benefits.
Important Pension Notes
Overtime usually excluded: Most pension formulas use base salary only—overtime doesn't count.
Final average salary: Some departments use last 3 years' average rather than final salary.
Pension reform proposals: Federal firefighter legislation proposes including overtime in pension formulas (currently federal firefighters work 72 hours/week with shift structures). This could significantly increase retirement benefits if enacted.
Total Pension Value
A firefighter retiring at 50 with a $44,000 annual pension who lives to 80 receives $1.32 million in pension benefits—plus healthcare benefits, which add substantial additional value.
Additional Benefits and Total Compensation Value
Beyond salary and pension, firefighter benefits packages add significant value.
Comprehensive Benefits
Health insurance: Often comprehensive coverage for firefighter and family with low or no employee premium—worth $15,000–$25,000 annually.
Paid time off: Vacation, sick leave, holidays (often premium pay for holidays worked).
Shift schedules: Typical 24-on/48-off or similar schedules provide extended time off despite 40–72 hour work weeks.
Disability benefits: Enhanced coverage for on-duty injuries—critical for dangerous profession.
Life insurance: Often provided at no cost.
Deferred compensation: 457(b) plans for additional retirement savings.
Total Benefits Value
The complete benefits package typically adds 30–50% to base salary value. A firefighter with $70,000 base salary may have $100,000+ in total compensation when including benefits value.
What Firefighters Do: Role and Work Environment
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation.
Core Responsibilities
Modern firefighters: respond to medical emergencies (often 70%+ of calls), suppress fires and perform rescue operations, handle hazardous materials incidents, provide public education and fire prevention, maintain equipment and apparatus, train continuously for emergency response, and live in firehouses during shifts.
Work Environment
24-hour shifts: Typical schedule is 24 hours on, 48 hours off (or variations).
Firehouse living: Firefighters sleep, eat, and train at the station during shifts.
Physical demands: Heavy lifting, climbing, working in extreme heat/smoke.
High stress: Responding to emergencies, traumatic scenes, life-or-death decisions.
Requirements
Becoming a firefighter typically requires: high school diploma (some departments prefer college), passing physical fitness tests, EMT certification (often paramedic), fire academy training (12–16 weeks), ongoing certifications and training, and clean background check.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Firefighting offers stable employment with clear advancement paths.
Employment Outlook
Demand remains steady—communities always need fire protection. However, hiring is competitive, with many applicants per opening at desirable departments. Retirements create opportunities as experienced firefighters reach pension eligibility.
Career Progression
Typical advancement path: Firefighter → Engineer/Driver → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief → Deputy Chief → Assistant Chief → Fire Chief
Each promotion requires passing competitive exams and often additional education/training.
Specialization Opportunities
Specializations that add pay and career options: Paramedic certification, hazmat technician, technical rescue (rope, water, confined space), arson investigation, fire inspector/prevention, and training officer.
How to Maximize Firefighter Income
Several strategies can significantly boost firefighter earnings.
Work Overtime Shifts
Overtime is consistently available in most departments and can double income. A firefighter earning $65,000 base can reach $130,000+ with regular overtime.
Take Advantage of 2025–2028 Tax Break
The overtime tax deduction means more money in your pocket for the same work. Plan your overtime strategically during this window.
Earn Paramedic Certification
Paramedic certification often adds $5,000–$15,000 annually in specialty pay. Many departments require it for promotion.
Work in High-Paying Departments
Chicago, LAFD, Bay Area, and FDNY pay significantly more than smaller departments. Consider location when starting your career.
Pursue Promotions
Each rank increase adds substantial pay. Prepare for promotional exams and develop leadership skills.
Obtain Specialty Certifications
Hazmat technician, technical rescue, and fire inspector certifications add pay differentials and promotion opportunities.
Maximize Pension
Work full 25–30 years to maximize pension percentage. Focus on boosting base salary in final years (promotions, step increases) since pension is based on base pay.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies on negotiating your starting position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in 2025?
Base salary typically ranges $54,000–$85,000 depending on department and experience. However, total compensation with overtime often reaches $100,000–$200,000 in major cities. Chicago firefighters average approximately $198,346 with overtime.
How much can firefighters make with overtime?
Overtime can nearly double firefighter income. A firefighter with $65,000 base salary working regular overtime can earn $120,000–$150,000+. Top earners in high-paying departments exceed $200,000 total compensation.
Do firefighters get pensions?
Yes, most firefighters receive defined-benefit pensions. Typical structure: 50% of base salary after 20 years, plus approximately 1% for each additional year. A 25-year firefighter with $80,000 final salary receives approximately $44,000 annually for life.
Which city pays firefighters the most?
Chicago Fire Department leads with average total compensation around $198,346 including overtime. LAFD, San Francisco, and other major West Coast departments also pay exceptionally well. FDNY offers $105,146+ after 5 years including overtime and holiday pay.
Is the firefighter overtime tax break still in effect?
Yes, for 2025–2028. The "Big Beautiful Bill" allows firefighters earning under approximately $160,000 to deduct overtime earnings from taxable income, providing significant tax savings.
Is firefighting a good career in 2025?
Yes, for those suited to the work. Benefits include: excellent total compensation (especially with overtime), outstanding job security, meaningful work protecting communities, strong pension and benefits, and camaraderie and team environment. Trade-offs include: dangerous work conditions, shift work disrupting family life, physical and emotional demands, and competitive hiring process.