As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Junior Firefighter in the United States is $55,211 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Junior Firefighter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Junior Firefighter'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Junior Firefighter'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 |
|---|---|
| Traffic C... Level Junior Firefighter | $51,036 |
| Junior Fi... Level Junior Firefighter | $56,251 |
| Traffic C... Level Junior Firefighter | $70,441 |
| Traffic S... Level Junior Firefighter | $85,425 |
| Traffic M... Level Junior Firefighter | $110,477 |
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 Junior Firefighters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 5.8% |
| Warehouse Operations | 1.99% |
| Data Entry | 0.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$66,253 |
20%
|
|
Prioritization
|
$64,045 |
16%
|
|
Advertising
|
$62,388 |
13%
|
|
Analysis
|
$61,836 |
12%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$60,180 |
9%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$59,628 |
8%
|
For Junior Firefighter roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Junior Firefighter positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Junior Firefighter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $66,253 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $66,253 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $66,253 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $66,253 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $66,253 | $32.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Junior Firefighters enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Junior Firefighter with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $50,502 and $53,298).
Junior Firefighter Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 21.9% |
| Bachelors | 21.9% |
| Masters | 6.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Junior Firefighter'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, 2026Salaries for a Junior Firefighter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $46,831 in 2023 to around $46,074 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Junior Firefighter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $46,831 |
| 2024 | $46,341 |
| 2025 | $46,074 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Junior Firefighter roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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