Firefighters in the United States have a wide salary range depending on location, experience, and additional qualifications:

• The average firefighter salary is around $56,379 per year according to recent data

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $59,530 as of May 2024, with the top 25% earning about $75,320 and the bottom 25% around $40,230

• Salaries vary significantly by state, with higher pay in states like New York, Washington, California, and New Jersey, where annual salaries range from approximately $74,700 to $81,240

• Entry-level firefighters may earn closer to $39,000 to $45,000 per year, while experienced firefighters, especially those with paramedic certifications or advanced degrees, can earn upwards of $80,000 to over $100,000 including overtime and bonuses

• For example, a firefighter/paramedic in Tennessee reported making about $80,901 annually before overtime, with overtime pushing total earnings to around $100,000

• In California’s Bay Area, top-step firefighter/paramedics can earn as much as $143,000 annually, with higher ranks like captain earning up to $178,000

• Benefits often include medical coverage for life, pension plans, paid vacation, and flexible schedules

In summary, firefighter salaries generally range from about $40,000 at entry level to well over $100,000 for experienced personnel with overtime and specialized roles, with geographic location and certifications playing a major role in pay differences.