Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Fire Fighter I Salary in the United States

How much does a Fire Fighter I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fire Fighter I in the United States is $45,254 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Fire Fighter I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,087
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,945 to $49,354
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,111
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Fire Fighter I Salaries

A Fire Fighter I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Fire Fighter I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Fire Fighter I'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:

  • Fire Fighter I (1-3 years): $45,254
  • Fire Fighter II (3-5 years): $62,735
  • Fire Captain (5+ years): $85,426
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Fire Fighter I1-3 years$45,254
Fire Fighter II3-5 years$62,735
Fire Captain5+ years$85,426
View as Graph

How Do Fire Fighter Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Fighter Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $50,105.
  • California: $49,915.
  • Massachusetts: $49,250.

Top Paying Cities for Fire Fighter I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $57,079
  • San Francisco: $56,454
  • Oakland: $55,264

Fire Fighter I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Fire Fighter I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,394. While startup companies pay approximate $41,967.

Fire Fighter I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,967
Growth Stage 51~500 $44,340
Established 501~5000 $47,750
Enterprise 5000+ $49,394

Fire Fighter I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Fire Fighter I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Business Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Fire Fighter positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Fire Fighter I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Fire Fighter I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Business Services$54,305$26.020%

Fire Fighter I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Fire Fighter 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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$39,945
Average $45,254/year
$49,354
$3,329
Average $3,771/month
$4,113
$768
Average $870/week
$949
$19
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,354 $4,113 $949 $24
Average $45,254 $3,771 $870 $22
25th Percentile $39,945 $3,329 $768 $19

Fire Fighter I Salary Growth & Career Path

Fire Fighter I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Fire Fighter 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
Fire Fighter II $62,735 39%
Paramedic $48,141 6%
Police Sergeant $83,560 85%

Most common benefits for Fire Fighter I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Fire Fighter I

Here are companies hiring for Fire Fighter I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Fire Fighter I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Fire Fighter I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Fire Fighter I

1. Where can a Fire Fighter I earn the most?

A Fire Fighter I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Fire Fighter I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Fire Fighter I is $57,079.

2. What is the highest pay for Fire Fighter I?

The highest pay for Fire Fighter I is $53,087.

3. What is the lowest pay for Fire Fighter I?

The lowest pay for Fire Fighter I is $35,111.

4. What are the responsibilities of Fire Fighter I?

Responsible for rapid response to fires, accidents, and other emergencies to protect people, property, and the environment. Works with firefighting teams to control and extinguish fires and safely manage hazardous materials. Performs search and rescue, responds to auto accidents, and provides emergency medical services. Uses and operates fire tools, equipment and apparatus as effectively and safely as possible. Performs routine maintenance and inspection of firefighting equipment and gear to ensure proper condition and preparedness for emergencies. Prepares post-incident reports as required. May participate in fire safety education and inspection activities. Typically is required to pass periodic physical ability tests. May require registry in NREMT. May require an associate degree in fire science. Requires Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Fire Fighter I?

The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Fire Fighter I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst