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Fire Fighter II Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fire Fighter II in the United States is $62,735 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,396
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,557 to $69,362
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,932
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Fire Fighter II Salaries

A Fire Fighter II'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 II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Fire Fighter II'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 IIs 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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $69,460.
  • California: $69,197.
  • Massachusetts: $68,275.

Top Paying Cities for Fire Fighter II

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: $79,128
  • San Francisco: $78,261
  • Oakland: $76,612

What Skills Can Increase a Fire Fighter II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Agility (Mentioned in 5.01% Job Postings): The ability to think quickly and clearly.
  • CPR (Mentioned in 5.28% Job Postings): Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to temporarily pump enough blood to the brain until specialized treatment is available.
  • Hydraulics (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
Skills Demand Percentage
Agility 5.01%
CPR 5.28%
Hydraulics 1.79%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Fire Fighter II's salary.

  • Risk Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Risk Management $65,872
5%
Innovation $65,244
4%
Analysis $64,617
3%
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Fire Fighter II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Fire Fighter II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,183. While startup companies pay approximate $58,706.

Fire Fighter II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,706
Growth Stage 51~500 $62,042
Established 501~5000 $66,859
Enterprise 5000+ $69,183

Fire Fighter II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Fire Fighter II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Fire Fighter positions in Software & Networking or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Fire Fighter II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Fire Fighter II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$87,829$42.040%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$69,008$33.010%

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

Understanding how a Fire Fighter II'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
$56,557
Average $62,735/year
$69,362
$4,713
Average $5,228/month
$5,780
$1,088
Average $1,206/week
$1,334
$27
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $69,362 $5,780 $1,334 $33
Average $62,735 $5,228 $1,206 $30
25th Percentile $56,557 $4,713 $1,088 $27

Fire Fighter II Salary Growth & Career Path

Fire Fighter II

Next Role

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Fire Fighter II, 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 Captain $85,426 36%
EMT/Paramedic Supervisor $65,483 4%
Police Sergeant $83,560 33%

Most common benefits for Fire Fighter II

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

Common company salaries for Fire Fighter II

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

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FAQ about Fire Fighter II

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

A Fire Fighter II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Fire Fighter II is $79,128.

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

The highest pay for Fire Fighter II is $75,396.

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

The lowest pay for Fire Fighter II is $50,932.

4. What are the responsibilities of Fire Fighter II?

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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Fire Fighter II roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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.

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