As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fire Battalion Chief in the United States is $85,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Fire Battalion Chief's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Fire Battalion Chief's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Fire Battalion Chief's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Fire Battalion Chief | $81,757 |
| Intermediate Level Fire Battalion Chief | $82,607 |
| Senior Level Fire Battalion Chief | $83,799 |
| Specialist Level Fire Battalion Chief | $85,876 |
| Expert Level Fire Battalion Chief | $89,637 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Fire Battalion Chieves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 9.11% |
| Emergency Services | 3.31% |
| Square | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$93,195 |
9%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$92,340 |
8%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$90,630 |
6%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$90,630 |
6%
|
|
Emergency Management
|
$88,920 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$88,920 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Fire Battalion Chief's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a Fire Battalion Chief, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Police Team Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,300 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Salaries for a Fire Battalion Chief can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $87,873 in 2023 to around $87,277 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Fire Battalion Chief salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $87,873 |
| 2024 | $87,967 |
| 2025 | $87,277 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Firefighter salaries vary significantly by state. In states like New York, Washington, California, and New Jersey, firefighters can earn competitive salaries. For example, the salary range for a Fire Battalion Chief is between $85,500 and $107,100, with a mid-salary of $92,900, reflecting the higher compensation in these regions.
Yes, the Battalion Chief is considered a high rank, often serving as the highest-ranking officer on duty. In terms of compensation, the salary ranges from a minimum of $85,500 to a maximum of $107,100, with a mid-range salary of $92,900, reflecting the significant responsibilities and leadership role associated with this position.
Battalion Chief (BC) – The Battalion Chief plays a crucial role in ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly. With a salary range from $85,500 to $107,100, the BC often serves as the highest-ranking officer on duty, especially when the Fire Chief and Assistant Chief are off, managing the department's activities effectively.
After five years, a Fire Battalion Chief can expect a salary ranging from $85,500 to $107,100, depending on experience and additional responsibilities. The mid-salary is approximately $92,900. This figure may increase with overtime and other compensations, reflecting the demanding nature of the role.
As of January 01, 2025, a Fire Battalion Chief in Chicago, IL earns an average annual salary of $92,900. Salaries typically range from $85,500 to $107,100, with most professionals earning between these figures.
During the 12 to 24 hours on duty, firefighters run calls, train, shower, eat, and sleep at the station. Their responsibilities include honing skills for firefighting and medical emergencies, as well as maintaining the firehouse and equipment. Fire Battalion Chiefs earn between $85,500 and $107,100, reflecting their critical role in emergency response and team leadership.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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