Firefighter First Responder Salary in the United States

How much does a Firefighter First Responder make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firefighter First Responder in the United States is $61,988 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Firefighter First Responder's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $74,575
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,985 to $68,576
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,519
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View as table View as graph 25% $55,985 10% $50,519 90% $74,575 75% $68,576 $61,988 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Firefighter First Responder Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $68,576 $5,715 $1,319 $33
Average $61,988 $5,166 $1,192 $30
25th Percentile $55,985 $4,665 $1,077 $27
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Key Factors That Influence Firefighter First Responder Salaries

A Firefighter First Responder'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 Do Firefighter First Responder 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 Firefighter First Responders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $68,633.
  • California: $68,373.
  • Massachusetts: $67,462.

Top Paying Cities for Firefighter First Responders

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: $78,186
  • San Francisco: $77,330
  • Oakland: $75,700

What Skills Can Increase a Firefighter First Responder'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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Agility 5.01%
CPR 5.28%
Hydraulics 1.79%
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 Firefighter First Responder'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
$65,088
5%
Innovation
$64,468
4%
Analysis
$63,848
3%
Leadership
$63,848
3%
Accountability
$63,848
3%
Dedication
$63,228
2%
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Firefighter First Responder Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Firefighter First Responder'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 May 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Firefighter First Responder

Salaries for a Firefighter First Responder can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,168 in 2023 to around $43,105 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Firefighter First Responder salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Firefighter First Responder Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$43,168
2024
$43,456
2025
$43,105
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $43,168
2024 $43,456
2025 $43,105
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Firefighter First Responder

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Firefighter First Responder

Here are companies hiring for Firefighter First Responder and their salaries, click below for more details.

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

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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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