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Brayden
Student
Oak Harbor, Ohio
10
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How do firefighters get paid? Hourly, Monthly, or yearly?
If it's hourly pay, what's the average number of hours you work?
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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
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California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Brandon according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), theAs of Oct 1, 2025, the average annual pay for a Federal Firefighter in the United States is $59,606 a year. (or $28.28 per hour), as of the most recent report. This means half of firefighters earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
Firefighter salaries can vary widely depending on factors like EXPERIENCE, LOCATION, and CERTIFICATIONS. Entry-level firefighters typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience or specialized skills can earn significantly more.
• EXPERIENCE
Much like in other professions, experience has a significant impact on firefighter salaries. Entry-level firefighters usually earn starting wages, but with time, hard work, and promotions, their earnings can increase substantially.
~ Firefighters (0–5 yrs): $30 –$40,000 yearly
~ Firefighters (5–10 yrs): $40 –$60,000 yearly
~ Firefighters (10+ yrs): $60,000+ yearly
• LOCATION
Geography plays a big role in firefighter earnings. Firefighters in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas. For example the highest paying states are:
~ California – Average $86,860 yearly
~ Oregon – Average $78,350 yearly
~ Washington – Average $77,700 yearly
Ohio's Average salary $43,983 ($21.15 hourly)
• CERTIFICATIONS
Advanced certifications or specialties can lead to higher wages. Firefighters who are also trained paramedics, HazMat (hazardous materials) technicians, or fire investigators often earn premium pay.
HOW FIREFIGHTERS ARE PAID
Firefighters are paid for their work and receive their compensation on a regular schedule, such as bi-weekly ( or every 2 weeks). They get paid for their time on duty, including training, equipment maintenance, and emergency response, as their pay is for being available and professional. The decision of choosing a career based on money or passion is a personal one, requiring you to balance your financial needs, long-term goals, and personal values, as both have significant pros and cons. A passion-driven career can provide joy, motivation, and opportunities for growth, but may not offer immediate financial rewards. Conversely, a high-paying job can offer stability and the financial means to support your life and even fund passions outside of work, but it might not be as fulfilling. Ultimately, the goal is to find a sustainable path that aligns with your priorities, often by finding a way to integrate both passion and financial stability.
Hope this will be helpful Brandon
Firefighter salaries can vary widely depending on factors like EXPERIENCE, LOCATION, and CERTIFICATIONS. Entry-level firefighters typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience or specialized skills can earn significantly more.
• EXPERIENCE
Much like in other professions, experience has a significant impact on firefighter salaries. Entry-level firefighters usually earn starting wages, but with time, hard work, and promotions, their earnings can increase substantially.
~ Firefighters (0–5 yrs): $30 –$40,000 yearly
~ Firefighters (5–10 yrs): $40 –$60,000 yearly
~ Firefighters (10+ yrs): $60,000+ yearly
• LOCATION
Geography plays a big role in firefighter earnings. Firefighters in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas. For example the highest paying states are:
~ California – Average $86,860 yearly
~ Oregon – Average $78,350 yearly
~ Washington – Average $77,700 yearly
Ohio's Average salary $43,983 ($21.15 hourly)
• CERTIFICATIONS
Advanced certifications or specialties can lead to higher wages. Firefighters who are also trained paramedics, HazMat (hazardous materials) technicians, or fire investigators often earn premium pay.
HOW FIREFIGHTERS ARE PAID
Firefighters are paid for their work and receive their compensation on a regular schedule, such as bi-weekly ( or every 2 weeks). They get paid for their time on duty, including training, equipment maintenance, and emergency response, as their pay is for being available and professional. The decision of choosing a career based on money or passion is a personal one, requiring you to balance your financial needs, long-term goals, and personal values, as both have significant pros and cons. A passion-driven career can provide joy, motivation, and opportunities for growth, but may not offer immediate financial rewards. Conversely, a high-paying job can offer stability and the financial means to support your life and even fund passions outside of work, but it might not be as fulfilling. Ultimately, the goal is to find a sustainable path that aligns with your priorities, often by finding a way to integrate both passion and financial stability.
Hope this will be helpful Brandon