2 answers
jonathan
Student
Thorsby, Alabama
2
Questions
Updated
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How much income does a firefighter get?
I want to see how much money I get? #work #firefighter #income #salary
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2 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
100
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
The salaries vary significantly by geographic location. They also vary by certification. For example, Firefighters who also hold Paramedic certifications typically get paid top dollar.
Here in Colorado, the lowest I've ever seen was $30k, but that was a very small department. A more typical entry level range is $46k to $55k. After 5 years, you can expect to have worked your way up to a cap of about $57k to $70k.
However, keep in mind that those figures are for basic firefighters. If you choose to pursue promotions to engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, division chief, or department chief, pay will continue to go up. Arvada Colorado is currently recruiting a new Fire Chief... the salary range is $136k to $196k a year! Also, keep in mind that many fire departments have adopted a 48-hour shift schedule, meaning you work 2-days straight, then get 4-days off. 4-days off leaves ample time for a side-hustle. Most firefighters I know also work side jobs as real estate agents, personal trainers, fire and EMS instructors, construction workers, handymen, etc. That can also add to your annual earnings.
While firefighter salaries have come a long way over the past 10+ years, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that there are way more important things than money. At 26 years old I was making over $80k a year, and was miserable. I took a roughly 50% paycut to go into firefighting instead, and am extremely happy with my choice. Choose a career that will make you happy, regardless of salary, and I promise that will make you a rich man.
Here in Colorado, the lowest I've ever seen was $30k, but that was a very small department. A more typical entry level range is $46k to $55k. After 5 years, you can expect to have worked your way up to a cap of about $57k to $70k.
However, keep in mind that those figures are for basic firefighters. If you choose to pursue promotions to engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, division chief, or department chief, pay will continue to go up. Arvada Colorado is currently recruiting a new Fire Chief... the salary range is $136k to $196k a year! Also, keep in mind that many fire departments have adopted a 48-hour shift schedule, meaning you work 2-days straight, then get 4-days off. 4-days off leaves ample time for a side-hustle. Most firefighters I know also work side jobs as real estate agents, personal trainers, fire and EMS instructors, construction workers, handymen, etc. That can also add to your annual earnings.
While firefighter salaries have come a long way over the past 10+ years, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that there are way more important things than money. At 26 years old I was making over $80k a year, and was miserable. I took a roughly 50% paycut to go into firefighting instead, and am extremely happy with my choice. Choose a career that will make you happy, regardless of salary, and I promise that will make you a rich man.
Steven Lindsay
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Steven’s Answer
It really depends on where the department you work for is located ... for what i’ve seen for entry level firefighters ... rural departments average in the $30k-$40k/year range ... larger cities and surrounding cities average in the $40k-$50k/year range.
Some departments also offer extra pay for extra certifications (i.e., paramedic, peace officer, extra languages, etc.)