As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firefighter/EMT I in the United States is $45,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Firefighter/EMT I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Firefighter/EMT I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $49,400 | $4,117 | $950 | $24 |
| Average | $45,300 | $3,775 | $871 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $769 | $19 |
A Firefighter/EMT I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Firefighter/EMT I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,380. While startup companies pay approximate $41,983.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,983 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,351 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,728 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $49,380 |
Understanding how a Firefighter/EMT I'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $49,400 | $4,117 | $950 | $24 |
| Average | $45,300 | $3,775 | $871 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $769 | $19 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Firefighter/EMT I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighter/EMT II | $62,770 | 39% |
| Critical Care Paramedic | $48,200 | 6% |
| Police or Sheriff's Patrol Sergeant | $83,600 | 85% |
Salaries for a Firefighter/EMT I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,151 in 2023 to around $42,122 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Firefighter/EMT I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $43,151 |
| 2024 | $42,939 |
| 2025 | $42,122 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Firefighter/EMT I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Firefighters typically work 24-hour shifts every other day, totaling five days of work followed by four days off. In California, this schedule allows for a balance between work and rest. The salary for a Firefighter/EMT ranges from $44,200 to $61,700, with a mid-range salary of $52,500, reflecting the demanding nature of the job.
Many EMS agencies operate under tight budgets, often funded by local governments or private companies. This financial constraint, along with the need to negotiate reimbursements from insurance providers, can lead to lower salaries for EMTs and paramedics. For instance, salaries typically range from $44,200 to $61,700, with a median around $52,500.
In America, the salary for a Firefighter/EMT typically ranges from $44,200 to $61,700 per year. The average salary is around $52,500. This means that while entry-level positions may start at $44,200, experienced professionals can earn significantly more, reflecting the critical nature of their work.
Yes, EMTs can make a living. In the US, a Firefighter/EMT's salary ranges from $44,200 to $61,700 annually, with a mid-salary of $52,500. This can vary based on qualifications, experience, and location. Pursuing certification can enhance earning potential and career opportunities.
First responders with high salaries include roles like Medical Examiner, with earnings ranging from $64,000 to $268,500 annually. Firefighters/EMTs earn between $44,200 and $61,700, while positions like Police Captain and Incident Response Manager can make between $87,000 and $172,000. These roles reflect the diverse earning potential in emergency services.
Firefighters with EMT certification typically earn between $44,200 and $61,700 annually, with a median salary of $52,500. While some states, like California, report salaries around $58,826, the overall range reflects varying pay scales across different regions.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: