As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter in the United States is $64,810 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter'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.
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 Qualified Wildland Fire Fighters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Agility | 5.01% |
| CPR | 5.28% |
| Hydraulics | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Risk Management
|
$68,051 |
5%
|
|
Innovation
|
$67,403 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$66,755 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$66,755 |
3%
|
|
Accountability
|
$66,755 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$66,107 |
2%
|
For Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter 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, Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter positions in Software & Networking or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $90,734 | $44.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $71,291 | $34.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter'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 Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $45,104 in 2023 to around $45,038 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $45,104 |
| 2024 | $45,405 |
| 2025 | $45,038 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Qualified Wildland Fire Fighter roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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