As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firefighter Trainee in the United States is $64,553 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Firefighter Trainee's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Firefighter Trainee'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Firefighter Trainee'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Firefighter Trainee | $62,919 |
| Intermediate Level Firefighter Trainee | $64,249 |
| Senior Level Firefighter Trainee | $67,086 |
| Specialist Level Firefighter Trainee | $67,390 |
| Expert Level Firefighter Trainee | $67,593 |
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 Firefighter Trainees. 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
|
$67,781 |
5%
|
|
Innovation
|
$67,135 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$66,489 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$66,489 |
3%
|
|
Accountability
|
$66,489 |
3%
|
|
Dedication
|
$65,844 |
2%
|
Understanding how a Firefighter Trainee'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Firefighter Trainee can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,990 in 2023 to around $44,924 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Firefighter Trainee salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $44,990 |
| 2024 | $45,290 |
| 2025 | $44,924 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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