Firefighter / EMT Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$53,000
national median salary
$40,000 to $70,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$74,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$55,000
San Francisco, CA
Lowest Paying
$41,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Firefighter / EMT salary in the United States is $53,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $40,000 at the 25th percentile to $70,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $74,000, while San Francisco offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Geographic location and department type create the largest pay differences.
Firefighter / EMT salary by city
Skills that increase Firefighter / EMT pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Firefighter / EMTs based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $7,420 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$7,420 per year
≈ +$6,890 per year
≈ +$6,360 per year
≈ +$5,830 per year
≈ +$5,830 per year
≈ +$5,300 per year
≈ +$5,300 per year
≈ +$4,770 per year
What you should know
Geographic location and department type create the largest pay differences. Urban departments in high-cost metros pay 40 to 60% more than rural volunteer or small-town departments. Paramedic certification, hazmat specialization, and technical rescue qualifications add meaningful premiums. Union representation strongly influences base pay and overtime rules.
Probationary firefighters start at $40,000 to $48,000. Senior firefighters and paramedics earn $53,000 to $70,000 after four to six years. Lieutenants reach $65,000 to $85,000, captains earn $75,000 to $100,000, and battalion chiefs earn $95,000 to $130,000.
Overtime and specialty pay can add 20 to 40% to base salary through Kelly Day scheduling and mandatory overtime. Pension benefits are among the strongest in public service, with many departments offering retirement at 50 to 55 with 50 to 70% salary replacement. Health coverage is typically comprehensive.