How Much Do Firefighters Make from their Job

by Tankeu Bernard Chekep · Updated Apr 24, 2026

The main question asked is How much do firefighters get paid? or How Much Do Firefighters Make? Most aspiring firefighters don’t think about this when they think about joining firefighters, as they’re usually blinded and mesmerized by the dollar signs.

While firefighters are without a doubt iconic public figures for many young boys and girls out there, let’s look at the reality of compensation that many firefighters face and compare that to the reality of the sports world.

Contents

What is a firefighter’s job description?

A firefighter’s primary responsibility is to control and extinguish flames that endanger people, property, or the environment. Regardless of the time of day or weather, firefighters are ready to respond instantly if an alert rings. Firefighters typically work 24-hour shifts and then get 48 or 72 hours off between shifts.

When combating forest fires, wildland firefighters are sometimes required to labor nonstop for days or weeks.

Firefighters have a variety of other responsibilities such as:

Prepare reports on emergency calls in writing.
Assist with the cleanup of hazardous materials spills.
Provide fire safety instruction at schools and community activities.
In the event of an accident, remove passengers from the vehicles that have been damaged.
In the firehouse, clean and maintain the equipment.
People stranded in perilous situations, such as floods, must be rescued.
So firemen are frequently called upon to respond to a variety of crises, not simply fires.

Who are the highest paid firefighters?

As it is with most professions, there are those who earn more than others due to either their level of expertise or position within the ranks of firefighters. The highest ten percent of all earners earned an average of $83,570 per year or more, while the bottom ten percent earned a maximum of $24,490 per year.

New Jersey firemen are the best paid, earning an average of $75,880 per year, followed by California firefighters, who earn an average of $73,860 per year.

What are the Best states for firefighters in the US

1. California – California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE)

How much does a firefighter make in California? On its website, it indicated that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) is responsible for fire protection and stewardship of approximately 31 million acres of privately owned wildland in California. In addition, the Department contracts with local governments to offer a variety of emergency services in 36 of the State’s 58 counties.

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2. Nevada (Nevada Fire Department)

The Nevada Fire Department operates an area of around 9 square miles, with a population of about 8,500 people in the city and about 10,000 people during the day. The Nevada Fire Department pays an average annual income of $66,670 to its firefighters. This income is competitive compared to what is paid in some other states.

The department has 12 full-time employees and one administrative employee, and it operates out of one station with two engines, one quint/ladder, a hazmat unit, and a medium rescue unit. A total of four people are on duty every day to safeguard the city.

3. Washington (Washington fire department)

Washington’s fire department indicates that their volunteer firemen are in charge of firefighting. Our firefighters get thorough training, which includes completing a Basic Operations Firefighter course that meets the Office of the State Fire Marshall’s requirements. The question is How much does a firefighter make in Washington? The Washington Fire Department pays an average annual income of $70,300 to its firefighters.

4. Oregon (Portland Fire & Rescue)

Portland Fire & Rescue in Oregon has 756 total workers, including 699 sworn and 57 non-sworn personnel, with a bureau operating budget of more than $90 million. Ninety-three percent of firemen are men, whereas just seven percent are women. PF&R offers emergency services to over 580,000 people and preserves 150 square kilometers of land. The Portland Fire Department pays an average annual income of $64,330 to its firefighters.

5. New Jersey Fire Department

How Much Do Firefighters Make in New Jersey? The New Jersey Fire Department is one that has a history of capturing and curbing incidents of fires that have affected the city for a long. The fire department on its website described the mission as the establishment and implementation of the State Uniform Fire Code, public education initiatives, and firefighter training programs.

6. New York Fire Department

The New York Fire Department or The Fire Department of the city of New York is famously the largest and most active fires service in the United States, and this does not come as a surprise to many people who have been in the loop. How Much Do Firefighters Make in New York?

The Fire Department of the City of New York pays an average annual income of $70,560 to its firefighters.

What are requirements and education for firefighters

Most communities’ minimum firefighter qualifications begin with being at least 18 years old and possessing a high school diploma.

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Firefighters must complete the following tasks:

Pass a written exam that tests your knowledge of math, problem solving, human relations, thinking, and memory.
Have a psychological examination that looks at your physical and emotional stability, as well as the specific personality factors that are linked to firefighter performance.
To climb stairs, haul hoses, hoist ladders, and breach ceilings, you must be in good physical shape.
Have a clean criminal and driving record and pass a background check.
On Facebook and other social media, no incriminating, provocative, immature, or humiliating posts are permitted.
Obtain Firefighter I and II certificates from a fire academy, as needed by their state.
If your local fire department requires it, get your EMT certification.
Pass an oral interview and be prepared to discuss their long-term career objectives and why they want to be a firefighter.
A list of personal references should be provided.

Education need to become a firefighters

A high school diploma and a willingness to serve were once required for firefighting training. Because of the competitive nature of this industry, schooling requirements have grown and the certification procedure has lengthened. Most states require completion of a program or set of courses authorized by the National Fire Protection Association in addition to a high school diploma.

How much does a firefighter make?

Salaries vary by region, but the cost of living should be taken into account when comparing employment offers. The states on the East and West coasts have the highest yearly average earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for firemen in the United States in 2016 was $48,030, or $23.09 per hour.

Sometimes this number changes as the average yearly firefighter income in the United States is $54,650, according to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2019.

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Tankeu Bernard Chekep

Career Advice & Workplace Culture Writer

Tankeu is a certified career coach and former HR manager based in Douala, with over 6 years of experience guiding professionals through career transitions, leadership development and workplace conflicts. He is proficient in English and French language and he writes Kamerpower's in-depth career guides covering topics like professional growth strategies, workplace dynamics, salary negotiation, and how to navigate difficult managers.

As a Career Development & Workplace Advisor with an MBA from Stellenbosch Business School, his content draws from real-world HR experience to give readers practical, actionable insights they can apply immediately. Tankeu believes every worker deserves a fulfilling and respectful career.