How Much Does a Fire Fighter make?

Fire Fighter made a median salary around $66,389 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $83,055 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $60,877. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Fire Fighter jobs in North Carolina

Certified Fire Fighter instructor

Alamance Community College - Graham, NC

Fire Fighter

City of Clinton, NC - Clinton, NC

Fire Fighter/EMT

Brevard County, FL - Brevard, NC

Travel Physical Therapist (PT) - SNF

National Staffing Solutions - CHEYENNE, WY

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Best-Paying Cities for Fire Fighter

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Fire Fighter profession are Cary , Garner , Knightdale , Raleigh , Apex .
Cary, NC $67,426
Garner, NC $67,426
Knightdale, NC $67,426
Raleigh, NC $67,426
Apex, NC $67,357

Best-Paying States for Fire Fighter

The states and districts that pay Fire Fighter the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $76,970) , California (around $76,278) , New Jersey (around $75,794) , Alaska (around $75,310) , and Massachusetts (around $75,241) .
District of Columbia $76,970
California $76,278
New Jersey $75,794
Alaska $75,310
Massachusetts $75,241

What is the Career Path of Fire Fighter?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Fire Fighter, the first career path typically starts with a Fire Inspector position , and then progresses to Fire Captain.

The second career path typically progresses to EMT/Paramedic Supervisor.

Additionally, the third career path typically progresses to Police Sergeant.

Besides, Fire Fighter can also turn to other related jobs, including Forest Fire Fighter , Aircraft Fire Fighter , Volunteer Fire Fighter and Fire Fighter II .

Frequently Asked Questions for Fire Fighter

Q: What is the salary range of Fire Fighter in North Carolina?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Fire Fighter in North Carolina earned an average annual salary of $60,877 , while the highest-paid made $83,055.
Q: What is the salary for a Fire Fighter in California?
A: Fire Fighter employed in California earned an average salary of $76,278 in 2024.

Average Fire Fighter Pay vs. Other Jobs

Fire Fighter earned an average salary of $66,389 in 2024. Other jobs related to Fire Fighter earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Forest Fire Fighter made $56,544 , Aircraft Fire Fighter made $56,544 , Volunteer Fire Fighter and Fire Fighter II made $66,389 and $65,164 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Fire Fighter

Forest Fire Fighter - Average Salary $56,544
There is currently no job description for Forest Fire Fighter, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Forest Fire Fighter.
Aircraft Fire Fighter - Average Salary $56,544
There is currently no job description for Aircraft Fire Fighter, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Aircraft Fire Fighter.
Volunteer Fire Fighter - Average Salary $66,389
There is currently no job description for Volunteer Fire Fighter, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Volunteer Fire Fighter.
Fire Fighter II - Average Salary $65,164
Fire Fighter II is 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. Being a Fire Fighter II 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. Additionally, Fire Fighter II 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. The Fire Fighter II works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be a Fire Fighter II typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Fire Fighter I - Average Salary $50,221
Fire Fighter I is 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. Being a Fire Fighter I 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. Additionally, Fire Fighter I 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. The Fire Fighter I works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Fire Fighter I typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.