Firefighters in the United States make an average annual salary of about $57,000 to $60,000 as of 2025. The range varies depending on location, experience, and specific roles, with typical salaries going from about $45,500 (25th percentile) up to around $69,000 (75th percentile), and top earners making as much as $88,500 or more annually. Some sources report an average closer to $55,000 to $59,000 per year, with the highest-paying states like California offering salaries over $75,000 annually. Entry-level positions and locations with lower demand pay less, whereas experienced firefighters and those in certain states or cities earn higher salaries. Here is an overview of firefighter annual salaries in the U.S. for 2025:
- Average: approximately $57,000 to $60,000 per year
- Range: $45,500 to $69,000 for most; up to $88,500 for top earners
- Highest-paying states: California ($76,951), Washington ($71,623), Colorado ($58,603)
The salary can also be influenced by overtime, benefits, and bonuses, which are common in firefighter compensation packages.
