SALARY GUIDE

Earn, Protect, and Advance: Firefighter Salary Insights

From entry‑level pay to senior leadership compensation, see how your firefighting career can grow financially over the next 40 years.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$45,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$70,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$95,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$120,000
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$55,000
Canada$58,000
United Kingdom£30,000
AustraliaA$70,000
Germany€45,000
India₹350,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$40k$60kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Municipal Fire Department$55,000
Industrial/Corporate Fire Services$68,000
Federal/State Emergency Agencies$62,000
Private Fire Protection Companies$60,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

Fire Prevention Officer
$58,000
Average annual salary
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Technician
$70,000
Average annual salary
Fire Investigator
$65,000
Average annual salary
Fire Chief/Deputy Chief
$110,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Geographic location and cost‑of‑living
  • Union membership and collective bargaining agreements
  • Overtime and shift differentials
  • Level of education and advanced certifications
  • Years of service and rank advancement

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

Firefighter I & II (NFPA)
+$2,000 to $4,000
Salary increase potential
HazMat Technician
+$5,000
Salary increase potential
Fire Officer I & II
+$7,000
Salary increase potential
EMT/Paramedic Certification
+$3,000
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
Australia
Fastest Growing
United States (due to increased demand for wildfire response)
Most Stable
Canada
Job Market Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in firefighter employment from 2024 to 2034, driven by expanding fire‑prevention programs, increased wildfire activity, and heightened safety regulations. Similar modest growth is expected in Canada and Australia, while European markets remain stable with strong union protections.

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