Firefighter Pay: Median, Entry-Level & Senior Salaries
National median: $58,290/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $48,875/year take-home — 16.2% effective rate.
Firefighter Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $36,000 | $30,965 | $2,580 | 14.0% |
| 25th Percentile | $43,000 | $36,589 | $3,049 | 14.9% |
| MedianBLS Median | $58,290 | $48,875 | $4,073 | 16.2% |
| 75th Percentile | $82,000 | $66,073 | $5,506 | 19.4% |
| 90th Percentile | $106,000 | $82,957 | $6,913 | 21.7% |
| Senior Level | $90,000 | $71,701 | $5,975 | 20.3% |
Firefighter Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $71,551 | $54,882 | $4,573 | 23.3% |
| New Jersey | $68,636 | $54,310 | $4,526 | 20.9% |
| Washington | $66,451 | $55,134 | $4,595 | 17.0% |
| Alaska | $67,762 | $56,057 | $4,671 | 17.3% |
| Connecticut | $68,491 | $53,552 | $4,463 | 21.8% |
About This Career
Firefighters respond to fires, accidents, and medical emergencies while conducting community prevention programs. California's combination of high cost of living, strong unions, and high fire risk has pushed San Jose firefighter base salaries above $130,000, the highest in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighter salary in the US?+
The national median Firefighter salary is $58,290 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,000 and $82,000, while the top 10% earn over $106,000.
How much does a Firefighter take home after taxes?+
A Firefighter earning the median $58,290 takes home approximately $48,875 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Firefighters earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Firefighters are California, New Jersey, Washington. Top cities include San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle, where salaries can exceed $82,000 for experienced professionals.