Average Firefighter Salary: $57,420 (2026)

The average firefighter salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $57,420 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $48,093 in El Paso, TX to $78,827 in San Jose, CA.

The average hourly rate for firefighters is $27.61 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $23.12/hour in lower-paying areas to $37.90/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.

San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for firefighters, with a median salary of $78,827 per year. This is 37% above the national average of $57,420. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.

Entry-level firefighters (10th percentile) typically earn around $37,213 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $57,420 within 3-5 years of career growth.

The average firefighter salary of $57,420 is 3% lower than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $83,394 or more annually.

El Paso, TX has the lowest firefighter salary at $48,093 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $30,734.

There are approximately 15,228 firefighters employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a moderate-sized job market with opportunities in protective services industries nationwide.

The biggest factors affecting firefighter salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $30,734 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Paramedic vs. EMT certification — paramedics typically earn a 10–20% pay premium, Department type — federal firefighters (BLM, Forest Service) and large urban departments pay the most. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.

In-demand skills that boost firefighter salaries include: Physical fitness and stamina to perform demanding rescue operations, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic certification, Incident Command System (ICS) knowledge and operational leadership, Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) recognition and response, Swift-water, confined-space, and technical rescue capabilities. Paramedic vs. EMT certification — paramedics typically earn a 10–20% pay premium Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($70,885).

Firefighter salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $57,420 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.