Firefighting is a dangerous job, and it pays well. In fact, firefighters in every state make different amounts of money based on factors like experience and education level. To give you an idea of how much firefighters make in every state, we’ve compiled a list of the median salaries for firefighters in each state. So whether you’re looking to start your career as a firefighter or are just curious about what the pay is where you live, this is the article for you.
The Pay Scale for a Firefighter
The pay scale for a firefighter is typically determined by the size of the municipality the firefighter works for, their experience and certification, and the type of firefighting service they provide. The median annual wage for full-time firefighters was $52,680 in 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,160, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,880.
Firefighters are typically paid an hourly wage plus benefits such as health insurance and retirement savings plans. Their salaries may also be supplemented by overtime pay or tips. In most cases, firefighters receive pension benefits after working years of service.
The Minimum Qualifications for a Firefighter
Firefighters are highly trained professionals who have to meet certain minimum qualifications in order to be hired.
In many states, firefighters must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a physical ability test. In addition, they must have a valid state firefighter certification and meet other requirements specific to their area of responsibility.
The median annual wage for firefighters was $53,970 in May 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,620, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,590. The median wage varies significantly by region; for example, the Midwest had the highest median wage ($59,050) while the Northeast had the lowest ($44,030).
Despite having relatively low wages overall, firefighters are among the best-paid professions in terms of hours worked. According to BLS data collected from 2004-2015, firefighters worked an average of 40 hours per week – more than any other occupation except for police officers and air traffic controllers.
How Much do Firefighters Make in Every State?
Firefighting is a dangerous profession that can be lucrative. The average firefighter salary ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 per year, with the highest salaries typically found in larger cities. In addition, firefighters receive benefits such as pension and medical insurance. The pay range varies based on experience and location. For example, firefighters in Alaska make the most money
States with the Highest Salaries for Firefighters
The highest salaries for firefighters are in the states of Alaska, Connecticut, and Hawai’i. Alaska has the highest median salary of $120,000, followed by Hawai’i ($110,000) and Connecticut ($108,000). The lowest median salary for firefighters is in Mississippi at $56,500.
States with Low Salaries for Firefighters
In many states, firefighters make significantly less than the national median salary of $55,000. In five states – Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma – firefighters earn less than $40,000 annually. Connecticut and Hawaii are the only two states where firefighters earn more than the national median.
Firefighters in most states receive benefits such as pension and health insurance that make up for a lower salary. However, these benefits vary considerably from state to state. In Alaska, for example, firefighters receive the least generous benefits of any state surveyed. This is likely due to the high cost of living in Alaska and the low pay rates of firefighters.
Despite making relatively low salaries, firefighter jobs are often considered prestigious positions in society. Many people view them as heroes who risk their lives to save others.
States with the Lowest Average Annual Firefighter Salaries
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the average annual firefighter salary in 2016 was $47,590. This figure ranged from a low of $37,340 in Wyoming to a high of $64,180 in Alaska. The highest paying states were Alaska, New York, and Connecticut. The lowest paying states were Mississippi, South Dakota, and Arkansas.
There are many factors that influence firefighter salaries including the size and population of the municipality where they work as well as the experience level of their peers within their department. In addition to base pay, firefighters typically receive overtime pay, benefits such as medical insurance and 401k plans, and retirement savings contributions.
Some municipalities are able to provide additional compensation such as paid vacation days or additional pension benefits.
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Conclusion
Firefighters make an impressive salary, no matter where they are in the United States. In fact, firefighters in some states can earn more than police officers and even some civilians! The top five states with the highest average firefighter salaries are: Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Oregon, Florida, and California. Take a look at the table below to see how much firefighters in each state earn on average.