Firefighter salary in United States
A strong career option in United States — with programs that take 1 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$59,280/ yr
$4,940 / mo · $28.50 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$34,923
Median
$59,280
Experienced
$101,046
Demand
Moderate
Program length
1 to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Firefighter (entry-level)$34,923
- Firefighter (mid-career)$59,280
- Firefighter (experienced)$101,046
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete1 to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$34,923
- Median salary$59,280
- Experienced salary$101,046
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Firefighter in United States
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Firefighter program in United States
Browse certified training programs. Most Firefighter tracks complete in 1 to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in United States.
Get hired in United States
With roughly thousands of Firefighter openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in United States.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Firefighter in United States is $59,280 per year, which is $28.50 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $34,923 while experienced Firefighters can earn up to $101,046 annually.
Next step
Find Firefighter Classes Near You
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