Firefighter pay
What firefighters earn — and take home — in 2026
Firefighting pairs a solid public wage with strong benefits and an early retirement. The BLS puts the median firefighter at $59,530 (May 2024), with the top 10% over $100,000. Because departments staff around the clock, the standard 24-hour shift schedule pushes weekly hours past 40 — so overtime and the FLSA's special 7(k) firefighter rules add meaningfully to base pay.
Where a firefighter's paycheck goes
On the $59,530 median, a single firefighter sits in the 12%–22% federal brackets after the standard deduction, plus FICA where applicable. Pension contributions (often 7%–12% of pay) reduce take-home but fund retirement. State income tax ranges from nothing in Texas and Florida to several percent elsewhere.
The highest-paying states for firefighters
Average firefighter pay runs highest in California, New Jersey, Washington, New York and Nevada. Washington and Nevada have no income tax — a clear take-home edge over high-tax California, which pays the most on paper.
Compare firefighting with other careers
See how firefighter pay compares with a paramedic, a police officer or a registered nurse, or check your exact net in California or Texas.
Questions
Firefighter Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does a firefighter make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $59,530 for firefighters (May 2024). The top 10% earn over $100,000. Pay rises with rank and seniority, and because firefighters work long 24-hour shifts, overtime and hazard pay commonly add thousands more to base salary.
What is a firefighter's take-home pay on $59,530?
A single firefighter earning the $59,530 median takes home roughly $49,000 to $50,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state. Most firefighters also contribute to a public pension, which lowers take-home but funds an often-generous retirement after 20–25 years.
Do firefighters pay into Social Security?
It varies by department. Many municipal firefighters are covered by a public pension and, in some jurisdictions, do not pay the 6.2% Social Security tax (they still pay Medicare). This calculator applies full FICA by default; if your department is non-Social-Security, your actual deductions are lower than shown.
Which states pay firefighters the most?
California, New Jersey, Washington, New York and Nevada report the highest average firefighter pay. Washington and Nevada have no state income tax, giving them a take-home edge over California and New Jersey, which pay well but tax income heavily.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Firefighters (median $59,530, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base ($184,500) · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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