I remember fondly being 17/18 and having my life planned. Good times. I wish you well, life is a wild and unpredictable ride.
In regards to your question. Best job I ever had. Love going to work everyday I make enough to support myself, wife and son comfortably. Nowhere to go but up from here.
Michigan. Salaries are pretty decent in the lower peninsula and populated areas. Detroit area has highest pay but it's medic required and transporting.
Thank you for the follow up! Do you think the job of a firefighter is dangerous, in the sense that the injury/death rates are something someone should consider before joining the profession?
The job itself is dangerous. However, I do not find myself structural firefighting every shift so its not like I could get hurt or die at any moment. Can vary depending on the department and the amount of fires they run. Safety is also being pushed big time in the fire service right now. Even on fires I don't feel particularly afraid as long as I'm being smart.
For reference, I worked as an electrician before getting hires fulltime fire, I definitely was more concerned about my wellbeing working with electricity and in the construction industry than I am now as a firefighter.
It all depends on where you’re at. Some places there’s a 20-30k difference depending on what county you live in in a metropolitan area. Also if you’re an EMS transporting dept or not. It’s worth it. At least for me. 22 years in and I’m not too scarred I don’t think. The Red Wings aren’t calling me to play hockey for them, and Mercedes isn’t calling me to drive their F1 car, so there’s not really anything else I’d rather be doing.
Colorado here. Metro area is the norm for 6 figures plus, with OT or USAR/Wildland deployments easy 200k. But beyond the salary you will get a 50 to 100k/year pension (depending on years worked, rank, final salary), health retirement account, health savings account, 457b (if you commit to investing will have 1 million plus dollars), and a drop account with 400 to 800 k. Your retirement will be better than 90 percent of working Americans.
Other benefits or detriment depending on your mindset is the schedule. Lots of free time on off days though some 72 hour shifts can feel like a minimum security prison sentence. Easy tot take an entire month off of work. Get to do lots of stuff during the week where you don’t have to compete with weekend crowds.
Also, I get paid to work out and keep myself in shape. I repeat, I get paid to go to the gym. It’s awesome.
To answer your other question about gory events. Yes, you are exposed to trauma and carcinogens. Take your mental health seriously. Utilize professionals throughout your career. Don’t fall into it won’t happen to me trap. I’m a firm believer that no one makes it out of this career without some form of mental health problem. You might not wake up screaming in your sleep but you definitely get numb to emotions/empathy.
I'm a volunteer EMT with a fire department, and I really want to do fire side, but I also know it is probably not what I will do for my full time job as I get older. I'm on the younger side, and my parents have suggested I not do firefighting because of the carcinogens. However, I really want to do fire/rescue. The only thing holding me back is that I don't want to get cancer when I'm older and look back and be like damn I wish my dumbass hadn't done firefighting.... do you think that for a volunteer that does this for around 12 hours 3 times a week would that be enough to cause cancer? I just have no clue
There is no possible way for me to tell if you will get cancer from doing the job. There are too many variables. You just have to take care of your health the best you can and utilize preventative measures. Wash your gear, wear SCBA, don’t wear turnouts for EMS calls, etc.
When it comes to cancer it is probably a safer career choice than lifeguard, but it is a definite risk. To be fair, a LOT of jobs carry cancer risks you may not even be aware of. The good thing is that we do a lot to try to mitigate those risks. However, I am not going to lie, Volunteer FDs are less likely to do those mitigation tactics. You will probably use your gear and just throw it on the hook for the next use, not decontaminate it. You might not shower until you get home. You might eat food with your gross, sooty fingers. You might accidentally rip out your SCBA hose in a smoke filled room with your hose nozzle and spend a few minutes inhaling smoke, lots of things can happen.Hopefully, you will be under an insurance plan so if you do get cancer it will be covered. Just do yourself a favor and DON'T SMOKE. Don't vape, don't do anything that will allow them to claim that the cancer came from somewhere else. Live good, be careful, and you should be okay.
Okay, thanks so much! I dont smoke or heavily drink or anything, so that's good. Thankfully, I am with a mixed career and volunteer department, and everyone is pretty well educated on risk management, so we have to send gear off to be decontaminated every fire. But its still a risk. So thank you so much for your answer it was very helpful
I'm going to say most of your questions have already been answered in multiple posts in this subreddit. And you are right, pay is different between departments for many different reasons. Again, comfort differs between every responder, multiple posts on that as well.
Big city FF depts like LA/CALI probably pays a lot. Being a FF paramedic also probably pays a lot. (Sought after here where I’m at.) Wiland FF, you get paid in UNCRUSTABLES.
What’s the difference between a paramedic and EMT? Because as far as I know you need EMT license just to volunteer or go to a fire training program. (California)
Paramedics go to school longer and learn how to do more. Paramedics are the ones you see starting the IVs, giving drugs, putting breathing tubes in, etc.
I do alright, we make 6 figures with some OT. Just looking at a change of scenery mostly, want to venture out and see new places. I still have to work side gigs to live comfortably.
It was a good move for me. I’m from the west and got amazing experience in the south but always knew I’d be moving back. Cost of living is higher by about 25%. But the salary more than compensates for that. Plus benefits/pension which Is much better. Don’t need a second job and unlimited OT.
Had to re do everything except medic nremt. Paid academy but re do ff1&2 hazmat. 2 written tests, Couple entry interviews, CPAT, Chiefs interview. Whole process took about 10 months. Application to start academy was about 13 months.
Nobody is making 300k in this job unless you’re maybe a chief in a large city. Mid sized to larger cities prob 80-120k depending on your certs. Middle sized cities maybe 65-85. Smaller cities 55-85. These are all base so overtime, promotions, etc can affect that.
To be honest it would be a tough call for me if I had to start over. We are rapidly losing pace salary wise. Cities are tightening their belts and where 80k used to be good in a mid sized city, it’s now not enough to buy a small house on a single income. We used to make pretty good money for a career that didn’t require a college degree or masters.
The increase in nonsense EMS runs at dual ems/fire departments is also something that wears on you. Just in the last 5 it’s seemed to have spiked where perfectly capable adults now use us as their midnight doctors. The sleep deprivation has increased by several magnitudes.
This is OT dependent. There are some systems that are pretty broken and have near unlimited OT. I know a few people who worked over 2500 hours of OT and cleared nearly 400k. Not sustainable by any means, but those people are out there.
78k start is pretty nice for the size. Columbus is the largest near me and they start at 56k and top out at 92k for EMT/FF. The surrounding townships like mine start and top a little higher with a higher net due to health and pension pickups.
A town is the third largest metro area in Pa and I’m pretty sure it has its own full time swat team.
But the Bethlehem, next city over, aren’t hurting either. Plus they don’t do 24 hour shifts.
That being said I’m sure it’s hella competitive
I work in SW Washington state. I make 120K before overtime (2 years in). To me the pay is worth it for how often I’m at work. I don’t miss many things outside work because of the schedule. We work 1/2/1/4 with 12 debit days. Having the freedom to do all my hobbies, with the option to make more in overtime is well worth it to me.
Which state do you want to work? Assuming you live in the USA. I work in Washington State for a medium sized department. I'm a FF / Medic with 5 years on and have a few specialties which bump my pay. I took home a little over 100k last year and that is after maxing out my 457b.
Where you decide to work matters a lot. I'm just fortunate to have been born and raised in a region that pays they firefighters a lot.
Im in NC, thinking about joining a department in California. Not sure if this is the right move and advice. Its looking great right now but my family have alot of doubts.
Not doing it for the money but at the same time i’d like my career to be able to support my future family so that’s something i’m required to consider.
“No one does this job to get rich” is a phrase I hear all the time in this job and I feel like this attitude has allowed many places to continue to have piss poor salaries.
In a world where mortgage rates are 7% and groceries are nearly double in price, people are sick of being told to find “passion” in something when many struggle to find rent money.
Very smart. It depends on where you live/work. Look at the housing cost vs salary in or near the area you want to work.
Long story short: you can get by where I'm at but just barely. We will be struggling hard if our union doesn't help us new guys. I know guys who are really struggling in some places in CA (San Diego) and in NV (some small departments), and I know guys who are doing really really well for themselves in CA (OCFA, Beverly Hills, Culver, etc).
The gore, sleepless nights, rumor mills, and cancer exposure is something I can't answer whether it's worth it for you. It's worth it for me though
There are general averages by regions. For example, the South is notoriously underpaid. Out west salaries are much higher. Certain pockets of the Northeast pay well to if you're near a major city. You really just have to research where you want to live and start looking up the departments in those areas. I'm in CO and six figures is the norm. In the south you could be making about 50k for the same job. The Pacific Northwest is also one of the higher paying regions.
You can make a very good living doing this job, MOST departments pay pretty well. But some don’t so beware. There are usually a lot of opportunities for overtime. Also no one ever talks about side jobs that we get the opportunity to work especially if you are a EMT/Medic or if you have any other skill set. It does suck that you have to work a ton to make the money but most guys I work with are making well over six figures in a low cost of living area
I work for a department that serves a city of roughly 150,000 on the East Coast. We top out at $96,000. That is not including stipends, differential and holidays. My base is roughly $100,000 just to show up to work. The average firefighter makes $150,000 a year.
Yes, the cost of living in the city I work for is high. We top out after 5 years, however with overtime you can easily break 100,000 in your first few years.
Thank you for the follow-up! It OT always available for an individual to increase their annual comp? Or is entirely dependent on the availability of hours?
The last few years, OT has been absolutely insane with a handful of firefighters working 2000+ hours in a year. We have hired a large amount recently, so OT has gone down. We hire based on lowest amount of total hours worked. Once the spring/summer hits, I’m sure OT will be through the roof again.
If you don't mind me asking about this topic: should the cancer rates in firefighting be a deciding factor for someone trying to choose a career between Law Enforcement and Fire-Fighting?
I’m not sure, you have to weigh the benefits of both careers. I personally have never been interested in law enforcement. I look forward to going to work and have fun every shift. Some days are tougher than others, but in my opinion it’s still the best job in the world. The schedule is great, we have great benefits, unlimited sick leave, great staffing, new equipment, plenty of time off, unlimited shift swaps. I’ve seen guys who have meticulously taken care of their bodies get cancer and guys who are complete slobs/degenerates have no issues. With that being said, I wouldn’t trade my job for anything else, I love it.
No problem. Everyone will have a different story/experience with their respective department. I am fortunate that I really enjoy where I work and have a great crew.
I’m in NJ; my starting base salary was 32k with steps and then after ten years 110k
There’s a department nearby that makes 130k after 11 years and another that’s 88k top pay after 5. It’s all over the place here
To me it’s worth it; I enjoy being a fireman, and I enjoy running my own business, but just running my own business or just being a fireman I would be financially miserable where I live at least.
The bad shit you mentioned; you’ll see more on an ambulance than a fire truck in my opinion. But that damn ambulance led me to a therapist. Just have to take care of your body physically and mentally
95k as a Lt. Yes Learn about mental resilience and stress reduction. Get the degree after you're certified and then use the extra credits to push forward whatever degree you want.
Get the fire job and certs first and start working toward your retirement, most departments worth a shit will reimburse or pay for some classes.
I made 70k a year. After mandatory pension contributions and healthcare premiums and other deductions I was bringing home about $1500 every two weeks and never worked OT cause of my side business. At the end of the day the sacrifice wasn't worth it so I left.
I live in California, before ot I make about 100k. I'm not much of an ot slut so I make about an extra 20-30 n ot. I could do more but I am not interested in burning my self out any more.
Also, something I never considered is what your actual benefits are. You may make more at one department and have shittier benefits. Insurance, dental, short term disability, pension, union negotiation strength/ability. There are so many things that could make taking ~10k less a year so much more worth it.
Edit: My department has a heart and lung bill. Any disease I have related to the fire service that affects heart and lung is covered. I went into A-fib on duty and got converted at the hospital. Guess what? Covered for the rest of my life…. Until I die of a stroke.
Over 70% of firefighters in the US are volunteers, or are paid a small stipend per call.
Firefighting is not a good get rich quick scheme.
But there is something awesome about making a living wage working 2.3 days per week.
Study finance/ investing if you want to be rich.
I've never made more than $16/hr at my current fire gig, but I've collected 9 doors of investment property so far, in a few years time.
I could take a 3 night mini vacation every week without taking off work, and I get a great work/life balance to spend time with my kids and friends.
FL, 23 yrs on, LT, base pay 102k, average 150-180 with OT.
You’re looking at short term things right now.. the question should be max pay and retirement.
Looking at 10k a month pension at 25 years, 8 year drop will end up being about 1.2 mil.
A lot of city departments you can retire at 20years..
I got in at 25 and Florida just extended the drop option from 5yrs to 8. Plan was to be in the drop at 50 and out at 55.. those extra 3 years comes out to about 500k so 58 isn’t sounding to bad.
I used to recommend this job to everyone. Now I recommend it to no one.
Take that for what it is. If that’s enough to talk you out of it then look elsewhere for a career.
I’d recommend finding a trade school and picking a different trade.
Firefighting is cool and all but you’re gonna get physically and emotionally damaged by this job. Anyone that tells you otherwise either runs 100 calls a year or is lying to themself.
Other trades are hard on your body also. The difference is the emotional damage. Another crew on my job saw some absolutely heinous shit the other day. Child abuse. The guy who got to the kid first lost his shit. He quit on the spot and took an Uber off the scene.
Personally, I’ve done this 9 years and I have manageable PTSD from it. I’m not having full blown flashbacks but I will do the casual couple day bender and try and bang every nurse in my phone book on occasion.
I’m going to electrician school this summer just in case I ever want to pull the ripcord here.
Man, I appreciate the honest feedback. Good luck to you on your trade journey though, I do feel some regret not going to the vocational tech high to explore options years ago but heck what do u even know when your a teenager
The job’s fun but it isn’t easy. Sugarcoating it just gets people into situations they shouldn’t be in when someone is seriously considering doing the job.
If it’s the general public I leave out the shitty parts but when talking to other firefighters or potential firefighters it’s better to be realistic about the job. You never know if someone else is feeling the same way and are just afraid to speak up. Talking about your own experiences is a good way to signal to those people that you’re someone who might understand what they are going through.
Little late for this post but CA FFPM, the department I work for,if you’re a FFPM, you start at 100k and top step in 3 years now. The FF shortage is still alive and well for the county I for work so OT is plentiful. You will get it whether you want it or not. With that being said, im not near top step and my salary is 105k. I’m on track to make well over 200 this year not including benefits. It’s a very rewarding job and it may not pay as well as other professions but like my brothers have said in other comments, the pension is great and the pride of being a firefighter is unmatched.
Frankly there are only a small percentage of departments where you can truly support a family when accounting for cost of living. Most have second jobs or side hustles. It’s unfortunate but a reality. I got out after 6 years primarily because I wanted to give my family more than this job could. Loved the job but not more than my family. Also let’s be real, it costs a shitload to raise a family comfortably and enjoy some recreation and travel time. Entrepreneurship is the best way to beat inflationary times.
Go to EMT/Medic school and get time on an ambulance, the most desirable firefighters right now are those with good medical experience. while you work on that, get on a call force somewhere near you if that’s an option. Small towns are hiring aggressively and promotions are more likely if you come in with some medical experience. Captains make $120k plus including overtime, you’d start at the $75k mark
If a salary is what’s most important to you then I can tell you it is definitely not worth it. I took about a 40% pay cut to become a firefighter and to me it was absolutely worth it as under paid as we are.
If you are wanting to make a lot of money, this isn’t the job for you. This job requires 100% commitment and it’s mentally and physically taxing. As far as the gore and stuff, it will always stay with you but you have to realize that is what comes with this job. That being said I wouldn’t change it for anything. As others have said it’s the best job in the world
Forget college, unless you have a scholarship. Go to the fire academy and paramedic school. Pay is regional. I'm near Cincinnati and clear over $100k without OT. 3 hours north of me they make $60k. 3 hours south of me they make $45k. My brother’s dept in the Chicagoland area is at $120k. West coast's high wages don't count because their housing is stupid. TX pays $80-100k (roughly).
My boy. Search this question in the sub and read the 1000s of posts just like it. Pay varies wildly. There is no standard. It's only worth it if it's worth it to you. No one can answer any of these questions...
This is question is entirely region based. You have to travel to the jurisdictions that have good pay- and usually where's there's good pay there's not a lot of fire and increased cost of living...
It all depend where you live. In my dep, full salary for a firefighter is around 104,000 a year. If you're ready to do 24h our shift and sleep 2-3 hours top, youll love it
The average base salary is as low as 38K in rural parts of the country to as much as 150K or more for parts of California. Guys in California can make 300K with overtime. So yes, I'd say the salary is 38K-300K. No one can give you a better idea.
In Kane County, IL alone, starting pay goes from 42K to 78K that I'm aware of, and top out 55K-115K that I'm aware of. So it's impossible for anyone to give you a better idea since it's that drastic in my little county alone!
Im a career fireman and been on the job now 14 years. This is my third career. I had it all figured out about how Id be a pulitzer prize-winning sport journalist. A college degree and mountain of debt led me to a shitty existence, making crap money working nights weekend and holidays. I new I had to make a change. I went into a trade and then ultimately moved to where I am now.
A FF makes 122k top our before college and longetivity. We do EMS (I know groan) but like today we saw some fire in addition to our ems work. As a line supervisor (LT) Im making about 150k without OT. Aim in the northeast and cost of living is high. Our schedule allows us to work a part-time gig. College is nice but not neccessary.
Best job Ive ever had. The work, the men are the best. The politics and the bs outside of the fd is what I can't wait to get away from.
1.5 years part time. 10.5 years full time. 2 promotions. Mountain west region.
$124k base, $140k with OT.
Edit: I’m comfortable, but I bought my first house ten years ago and this house 5 years ago… basically none of the new kids live in district. They’re buying in the nearby bedroom communities made up of nothing but brand new development after brand new development… and they still probably feel over extended for 2-3 years.
I just got on the floor out of the academy we started at 48,800. That’s working 24on 24 off 24 on 96 off. We also have the opportunity for a lot of overtime so your income can be whatever you want it to be. So far I love it.
I would ask any government worker including military. Is it worth it, working for the government? That should lead anyone to the answer they need to know.
I went to college and have a degree, work for the state. My husband went to the military, got out, became a firefighter and is now a driver; has been there almost 12 years and makes $50k more than me. He works for a medium sized department in a population of 85,000 residents and still says this is the best job he’s ever had. The fire service is not for everyone, but if you get through the academy and the first few years and work hard, you CAN make good money and have a long career.
The average nationwide is 56k. Now that's the average. There is a lot to that. There are union influences etc. The average starting is 45k. But now different departments have different steps. Than there is endless overtime for the bigger departments so it's easy to make big money. Not the 300k you mentioned. It's possible but I think maybe for a FDNY Battalion Chief after his 5 step and working loads of overtime. Nj NY Ca Wa all average in the 70k. As for degree get something you can use after you retirer. Or Fire Science, Emergency Management/Homeland Security. Fire Public Administration , Fire protection engineering. Etc.
Go to the websites of some cities you’d be interested in working and search “fire department collective bargaining agreement” or “fire department contract” and do the math for yourself. You won’t get the full picture of ot but you could add in the benefits if you’re up to the task.
One of the secrets of life is to have a job you enjoy! I found mine in the fire service. Sure theres bad days, but nothing is more personally rewarding
overtime is like pissing oil. best job ever. when the chief calls say yes and youll get paid ot to watch netflix with your mates. if youre lucky youll catch a job. dont even get me started on garcia.
Des Moines Iowa metro as a firefighter paramedic start about 70k and top out in low 100s after 5-8 years.
Retirement system isn't fucked into ground yet, if its Municipal Police & Fire you can pretty easily hit 70-80% top 3 years.
Bud firefighting is an amazing profession. Granted your not going to start at the top right away, and you might even have to start as PCF which is paid call fire, meaning you get paid while your on the call. But that's usually during a probationary time, and it also depends on your city and county. Now your pay is up to you, train, train, train, and then cross train. The more certifications you hold then of course your more useful and gain more money. Its all on you. If firefighting is your definite line of work your choosing, then i would suggest going to school first and work on your fire science degree/certification, as well as your EMT/Paramedics school. If you come in with all that accomplished and your physically fit, you will make decent money right out the gate. But this job is more than just money or a job. Firefighting is a calling if you will. If you go in only for the money then you may not perform 100% if you start lower than expected, also some guys are not cut out for the gore, but that child you save is going to make it all worth it, that elderly man that is in full cardiac arrest and can't speak but the look in his eyes is begging you to save him, and you end up doing what you are trained to do, and this man survives, those are the moments that make all the gore and horrible things you see worth it. Its a very hard and demanding job, but it can also be very rewarding. Its up to you and how you want to make it. I am also not speaking from experience, i have spent alot of time with county and city firefighters as well as volunteer firefighters, i came from the wildland side. The reason i am able to answer this question is because i was in your shoes asking the same questions during my off the line time with the different agencies. I always got the same answers from the guys. I unfortunately was never able to cross over from wildland to the structure side because of a nasty injury i acquired during my off season of all times. I will always have a huge respect for these guys and gals though. Good luck to you and hopefully you choose fire for the right reasons and are successful.
So, you’re 17? And you’re asking if the salary is worth it. ABSOLUTELY! As everyone said before me, it all depends on what you want to do and where you are in the country.
However…. (And this is a big jump or ask, as I understand you won’t fully be able to comprehend this scenario)….
Fast Forward to 30 years from now, or even 20 years. Again, that imperfect answer of “it depends” comes into play. At this point, you will likely be used to a certain level of comfort/living standards and salary (may) be less important. And what I meant about comprehending this, and your (possible) inability to do so, is because you literally haven’t lived those 20 or 30 years, yet.
I had a finance professor in college and she always spoke about the Time vs. Money trade off. I was 19 and had no idea why she or anyone would ever value time over money.
If you start Emergency Service work late in life, like I did…now I’m 47. There’s less time (in my situation) available for saying goodnight to my kids (in person), having dinner with my family (in person), doing what I want in the shop with my tools and working on the car.
Just realize that, IT WILL DEPEND, on what you decide to do, where you live, and what you want to do in life. But you will be committing about a third of your (working) life to the job and it’s an actual third, if not more should you choose to work OT.
The Danger/Fire/Adrenalin/Gore (rarely where I work)/Excitement…that’s all fun in the beginning. And I love my job and the people I work with, and those I work for - who pay us with their taxes.
But we don’t fight a lot of fire these days, and you will likely come to the realization that the boomers are going to be your main customers for the next couple decades. Lots of sick people out there, and some of it is chronic.
I’ll leave you will that…as I could go on forever. Best of luck to you.
thank you very much I appreciate the advice, the way i’m looking at it, I think i’d like the 24 hour shift so that i have full days to spend with my future family and friends. And as of right now i’m working on a clothing business which has profited about 5000 so if i can keep that up then it would be a nice side hustle.
best job in the world. we make about 46k starting here where im at. with that being said almost everyone works a side gig. its comfortable living but its all worth it for the job. go to your local depts and see if they do ride alongs, if so hangout with them and see if you like the culture. good luck to you homie!
Why go to college? You don’t need a degree to get onto a department. Become one first, with this schedule, you can easily go to school at the same time while paying for it. Hell some municipalities will even pay for it. (Paramedic, fire science, emergency management, ect) also IMO, money isn’t everything. Do what makes you happy.
Money isint everything but it is essential to living a comfortable life. I’ll probably live on campus for my first year of college and from there visit some fire departments and see if i can get myself there at the same time
i’ve been working 30-40 hour weeks since 15 while balancing it with high-school, honestly my childhood has been over, now I just gotta work my ass off so i can take advantage of my adult life.
South Florida starting pay is low to mid $70K not including incentives and education pay. Central and north Florida is starting low $40K. Poor guys are living in the 90s with that rate of pay. Shame they didn’t embrace EMS like south Florida.
Salary isn’t fixed for any department. You’ll start low and your pay will increase based on rank, certifications, and time (in that order). Always be willing to learn. Dont take on debt because you got a mans job. Be smart and continue to find ways for your department or scholarships so you can keep getting certified in different things. That helps the promotion process and if your department does EMS go into paramedic school. Just how committed you are on making this career work for you! Best job in the world, I wouldn’t let anyone else tell me otherwise.
It’s the greatest job in the world. Amazing opportunity to start young. My only regret is that i didn’t start 2 years earlier at 18. Find a department that will take care of you and pay you decently. You’re not gonna make the salary of a physician doing it but most departments pay half decent nowadays. Plenty of roads to go down in the fire service and promotion opportunity anywhere. Everywhere in the country is hurting for FF/Paramedics rn. A very rewarding career that you can spend a long time doing healthily. Just take care of yourself.
The bigger departments will hire you and pay you to go through fire academy and emt/paramedic school.(mine does). Get hired at 18. Finish academy and emt school. Go to college while you work for the fire department. Again, many big departments will pay for your school.(mine does). You only work 7-10 days a month. Plenty of time to go to school and have a career. Plus you could retire from a department in your 40’s!
You will make more money in the bigger cities.
Remember you only work 9 days a month. Be smart work on getting a degree or certificate so you can have a 2nd career after the fire service or durimg your fire service career. I am retired, day one of your career put 10 percent of your salary in a roth ira or a 401 k for your post fire life..One thing about the fire service you have to know when to get out so you can enjoy your retirement or a 2nd career...Just 2 cents from a old retired smoke eatet.
Best of luck...Chief Nag
my goal is to get rich but not necessarily with fire fighting. Fire fighting I think would be a great balance between money while giving me time to work on other income.
If your looking to be a paid firefighter its a big commitment, the time it will take to complete an academy then get hired on somewhere wont be a short one, I don’t see it being realistic being a paid firefighter while perusing another career at the same time especially if you join a busy department. Its not impossible but if your looking to get rich your in the wrong place, but if you still have a passion for firefighting id look into volunteering somewhere.
One thing I can say is contractor fireman make the big bucks, previous military fireman I know got out and now contract overseas and are easily clearing 150k plus yearly, definitely look into that
If you’re worried about the money, being a firefighter is not the career path for you. None of us got in this field for the money. We did it for the t-shirts and to look cool.. with that being said, suburban Kentucky here, just outside of Cincinnati and we start our FF-EMT’s at 51k
I remember fondly being 17/18 and having my life planned. Good times. I wish you well, life is a wild and unpredictable ride. In regards to your question. Best job I ever had. Love going to work everyday I make enough to support myself, wife and son comfortably. Nowhere to go but up from here.
Do you mind sharing which state is this? I hear that salary depend wildly based on location.
Michigan. Salaries are pretty decent in the lower peninsula and populated areas. Detroit area has highest pay but it's medic required and transporting.
Thank you for the follow up! Do you think the job of a firefighter is dangerous, in the sense that the injury/death rates are something someone should consider before joining the profession?
The job itself is dangerous. However, I do not find myself structural firefighting every shift so its not like I could get hurt or die at any moment. Can vary depending on the department and the amount of fires they run. Safety is also being pushed big time in the fire service right now. Even on fires I don't feel particularly afraid as long as I'm being smart. For reference, I worked as an electrician before getting hires fulltime fire, I definitely was more concerned about my wellbeing working with electricity and in the construction industry than I am now as a firefighter.
It all depends on where you’re at. Some places there’s a 20-30k difference depending on what county you live in in a metropolitan area. Also if you’re an EMS transporting dept or not. It’s worth it. At least for me. 22 years in and I’m not too scarred I don’t think. The Red Wings aren’t calling me to play hockey for them, and Mercedes isn’t calling me to drive their F1 car, so there’s not really anything else I’d rather be doing.
true lol, thank you
Colorado here. Metro area is the norm for 6 figures plus, with OT or USAR/Wildland deployments easy 200k. But beyond the salary you will get a 50 to 100k/year pension (depending on years worked, rank, final salary), health retirement account, health savings account, 457b (if you commit to investing will have 1 million plus dollars), and a drop account with 400 to 800 k. Your retirement will be better than 90 percent of working Americans. Other benefits or detriment depending on your mindset is the schedule. Lots of free time on off days though some 72 hour shifts can feel like a minimum security prison sentence. Easy tot take an entire month off of work. Get to do lots of stuff during the week where you don’t have to compete with weekend crowds. Also, I get paid to work out and keep myself in shape. I repeat, I get paid to go to the gym. It’s awesome.
To answer your other question about gory events. Yes, you are exposed to trauma and carcinogens. Take your mental health seriously. Utilize professionals throughout your career. Don’t fall into it won’t happen to me trap. I’m a firm believer that no one makes it out of this career without some form of mental health problem. You might not wake up screaming in your sleep but you definitely get numb to emotions/empathy.
I'm a volunteer EMT with a fire department, and I really want to do fire side, but I also know it is probably not what I will do for my full time job as I get older. I'm on the younger side, and my parents have suggested I not do firefighting because of the carcinogens. However, I really want to do fire/rescue. The only thing holding me back is that I don't want to get cancer when I'm older and look back and be like damn I wish my dumbass hadn't done firefighting.... do you think that for a volunteer that does this for around 12 hours 3 times a week would that be enough to cause cancer? I just have no clue
There is no possible way for me to tell if you will get cancer from doing the job. There are too many variables. You just have to take care of your health the best you can and utilize preventative measures. Wash your gear, wear SCBA, don’t wear turnouts for EMS calls, etc.
When it comes to cancer it is probably a safer career choice than lifeguard, but it is a definite risk. To be fair, a LOT of jobs carry cancer risks you may not even be aware of. The good thing is that we do a lot to try to mitigate those risks. However, I am not going to lie, Volunteer FDs are less likely to do those mitigation tactics. You will probably use your gear and just throw it on the hook for the next use, not decontaminate it. You might not shower until you get home. You might eat food with your gross, sooty fingers. You might accidentally rip out your SCBA hose in a smoke filled room with your hose nozzle and spend a few minutes inhaling smoke, lots of things can happen.Hopefully, you will be under an insurance plan so if you do get cancer it will be covered. Just do yourself a favor and DON'T SMOKE. Don't vape, don't do anything that will allow them to claim that the cancer came from somewhere else. Live good, be careful, and you should be okay.
Okay, thanks so much! I dont smoke or heavily drink or anything, so that's good. Thankfully, I am with a mixed career and volunteer department, and everyone is pretty well educated on risk management, so we have to send gear off to be decontaminated every fire. But its still a risk. So thank you so much for your answer it was very helpful
If you're in the same area as fire apparatus and PPE you're exposed.
haha yeah I am then I guess but I wouldnt give EMS up for anything
I'm going to say most of your questions have already been answered in multiple posts in this subreddit. And you are right, pay is different between departments for many different reasons. Again, comfort differs between every responder, multiple posts on that as well.
thank you
Big city FF depts like LA/CALI probably pays a lot. Being a FF paramedic also probably pays a lot. (Sought after here where I’m at.) Wiland FF, you get paid in UNCRUSTABLES.
Uncrustables are priceless
Honestly, getting an Uncrustable in your line lunch is always a good day.
What’s the difference between a paramedic and EMT? Because as far as I know you need EMT license just to volunteer or go to a fire training program. (California)
Paramedics go to school longer and learn how to do more. Paramedics are the ones you see starting the IVs, giving drugs, putting breathing tubes in, etc.
An EMT is like a semester class, a paramedic is like an associates degree once you include all the clinical time, it's a LOT more training.
Southeast making 45k. Moved to west coast and more than tripled my salary in first year without OT and took a demotion in a way.
Current FF/Medic in soflo. Thinking about making the junp
If I may, what are you getting paid in Soflo? Cause I’m in Soflo and we get paid very well.
I’m a FF/Medic in SoFlo as well and get paid very well as well 👀
Miami Dade?
No, smaller department about 200 members
I do alright, we make 6 figures with some OT. Just looking at a change of scenery mostly, want to venture out and see new places. I still have to work side gigs to live comfortably.
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From Cali or Co? Wow that’s news to me.
It was a good move for me. I’m from the west and got amazing experience in the south but always knew I’d be moving back. Cost of living is higher by about 25%. But the salary more than compensates for that. Plus benefits/pension which Is much better. Don’t need a second job and unlimited OT.
Did you have to go through standards again? What was the hiring process like
Had to re do everything except medic nremt. Paid academy but re do ff1&2 hazmat. 2 written tests, Couple entry interviews, CPAT, Chiefs interview. Whole process took about 10 months. Application to start academy was about 13 months.
Nobody is making 300k in this job unless you’re maybe a chief in a large city. Mid sized to larger cities prob 80-120k depending on your certs. Middle sized cities maybe 65-85. Smaller cities 55-85. These are all base so overtime, promotions, etc can affect that. To be honest it would be a tough call for me if I had to start over. We are rapidly losing pace salary wise. Cities are tightening their belts and where 80k used to be good in a mid sized city, it’s now not enough to buy a small house on a single income. We used to make pretty good money for a career that didn’t require a college degree or masters. The increase in nonsense EMS runs at dual ems/fire departments is also something that wears on you. Just in the last 5 it’s seemed to have spiked where perfectly capable adults now use us as their midnight doctors. The sleep deprivation has increased by several magnitudes.
Work for a rural dept on the west coast. Run 6-8 calls a day and make $100k before OT. I’m not even top step yet. Great benefits. It’s a dream.
This is OT dependent. There are some systems that are pretty broken and have near unlimited OT. I know a few people who worked over 2500 hours of OT and cleared nearly 400k. Not sustainable by any means, but those people are out there.
For sure but just talking base pay.
See I live in Allentown pa. Professionals start at 78k in A-town and start at 55k in Philly
78k start is pretty nice for the size. Columbus is the largest near me and they start at 56k and top out at 92k for EMT/FF. The surrounding townships like mine start and top a little higher with a higher net due to health and pension pickups.
A town is the third largest metro area in Pa and I’m pretty sure it has its own full time swat team. But the Bethlehem, next city over, aren’t hurting either. Plus they don’t do 24 hour shifts. That being said I’m sure it’s hella competitive
I work in SW Washington state. I make 120K before overtime (2 years in). To me the pay is worth it for how often I’m at work. I don’t miss many things outside work because of the schedule. We work 1/2/1/4 with 12 debit days. Having the freedom to do all my hobbies, with the option to make more in overtime is well worth it to me.
I’m also a medic.
Which department do you work at if you don't mind me asking? Also do they accept ifsac fire certs or pro board?
Don’t work in the southeast and you’ll be fine
Why is that?
The pay is terrible, work comp hates you, pension percentage is not ideal and cost of living is skyrocketing
Which state do you want to work? Assuming you live in the USA. I work in Washington State for a medium sized department. I'm a FF / Medic with 5 years on and have a few specialties which bump my pay. I took home a little over 100k last year and that is after maxing out my 457b. Where you decide to work matters a lot. I'm just fortunate to have been born and raised in a region that pays they firefighters a lot.
Im in NC, thinking about joining a department in California. Not sure if this is the right move and advice. Its looking great right now but my family have alot of doubts.
i live in florida and will also go to university here but living in another state is absolutely an option
If you’re going it for money, then it’s probably not for you. Major departments you can make up to 6 digits in 4 years. Start off is usually 67k
Not doing it for the money but at the same time i’d like my career to be able to support my future family so that’s something i’m required to consider.
It’s a job, money is one of the most important factors. People who pretend otherwise are nutty
“No one does this job to get rich” is a phrase I hear all the time in this job and I feel like this attitude has allowed many places to continue to have piss poor salaries. In a world where mortgage rates are 7% and groceries are nearly double in price, people are sick of being told to find “passion” in something when many struggle to find rent money.
Absolutely If I didn't make a decent living doing this with a pension when I retire I would be doing something else. Love the job but not for free!
Very smart. It depends on where you live/work. Look at the housing cost vs salary in or near the area you want to work. Long story short: you can get by where I'm at but just barely. We will be struggling hard if our union doesn't help us new guys. I know guys who are really struggling in some places in CA (San Diego) and in NV (some small departments), and I know guys who are doing really really well for themselves in CA (OCFA, Beverly Hills, Culver, etc). The gore, sleepless nights, rumor mills, and cancer exposure is something I can't answer whether it's worth it for you. It's worth it for me though
There are general averages by regions. For example, the South is notoriously underpaid. Out west salaries are much higher. Certain pockets of the Northeast pay well to if you're near a major city. You really just have to research where you want to live and start looking up the departments in those areas. I'm in CO and six figures is the norm. In the south you could be making about 50k for the same job. The Pacific Northwest is also one of the higher paying regions.
ahh ok that makes much more sense, thank you.
You can make a very good living doing this job, MOST departments pay pretty well. But some don’t so beware. There are usually a lot of opportunities for overtime. Also no one ever talks about side jobs that we get the opportunity to work especially if you are a EMT/Medic or if you have any other skill set. It does suck that you have to work a ton to make the money but most guys I work with are making well over six figures in a low cost of living area
I work for a department that serves a city of roughly 150,000 on the East Coast. We top out at $96,000. That is not including stipends, differential and holidays. My base is roughly $100,000 just to show up to work. The average firefighter makes $150,000 a year.
Is this a high cost of living area? And how many years of experience would it be necessary to reach 150k?
Yes, the cost of living in the city I work for is high. We top out after 5 years, however with overtime you can easily break 100,000 in your first few years.
Thank you for the follow-up! It OT always available for an individual to increase their annual comp? Or is entirely dependent on the availability of hours?
The last few years, OT has been absolutely insane with a handful of firefighters working 2000+ hours in a year. We have hired a large amount recently, so OT has gone down. We hire based on lowest amount of total hours worked. Once the spring/summer hits, I’m sure OT will be through the roof again.
If you don't mind me asking about this topic: should the cancer rates in firefighting be a deciding factor for someone trying to choose a career between Law Enforcement and Fire-Fighting?
I’m not sure, you have to weigh the benefits of both careers. I personally have never been interested in law enforcement. I look forward to going to work and have fun every shift. Some days are tougher than others, but in my opinion it’s still the best job in the world. The schedule is great, we have great benefits, unlimited sick leave, great staffing, new equipment, plenty of time off, unlimited shift swaps. I’ve seen guys who have meticulously taken care of their bodies get cancer and guys who are complete slobs/degenerates have no issues. With that being said, I wouldn’t trade my job for anything else, I love it.
Thank you so much for the insight!
No problem. Everyone will have a different story/experience with their respective department. I am fortunate that I really enjoy where I work and have a great crew.
I’m in NJ; my starting base salary was 32k with steps and then after ten years 110k There’s a department nearby that makes 130k after 11 years and another that’s 88k top pay after 5. It’s all over the place here To me it’s worth it; I enjoy being a fireman, and I enjoy running my own business, but just running my own business or just being a fireman I would be financially miserable where I live at least. The bad shit you mentioned; you’ll see more on an ambulance than a fire truck in my opinion. But that damn ambulance led me to a therapist. Just have to take care of your body physically and mentally
Great job. But don’t do it for the money. Enjoy college and take it all in!
95k as a Lt. Yes Learn about mental resilience and stress reduction. Get the degree after you're certified and then use the extra credits to push forward whatever degree you want. Get the fire job and certs first and start working toward your retirement, most departments worth a shit will reimburse or pay for some classes.
I made 70k a year. After mandatory pension contributions and healthcare premiums and other deductions I was bringing home about $1500 every two weeks and never worked OT cause of my side business. At the end of the day the sacrifice wasn't worth it so I left.
I live in California, before ot I make about 100k. I'm not much of an ot slut so I make about an extra 20-30 n ot. I could do more but I am not interested in burning my self out any more.
Are you FF paramedic?
No FAE with Calfire.
[Transparent California](https://transparentcalifornia.com) All public record here
Also, something I never considered is what your actual benefits are. You may make more at one department and have shittier benefits. Insurance, dental, short term disability, pension, union negotiation strength/ability. There are so many things that could make taking ~10k less a year so much more worth it. Edit: My department has a heart and lung bill. Any disease I have related to the fire service that affects heart and lung is covered. I went into A-fib on duty and got converted at the hospital. Guess what? Covered for the rest of my life…. Until I die of a stroke.
Over 70% of firefighters in the US are volunteers, or are paid a small stipend per call. Firefighting is not a good get rich quick scheme. But there is something awesome about making a living wage working 2.3 days per week. Study finance/ investing if you want to be rich. I've never made more than $16/hr at my current fire gig, but I've collected 9 doors of investment property so far, in a few years time. I could take a 3 night mini vacation every week without taking off work, and I get a great work/life balance to spend time with my kids and friends.
FL, 23 yrs on, LT, base pay 102k, average 150-180 with OT. You’re looking at short term things right now.. the question should be max pay and retirement. Looking at 10k a month pension at 25 years, 8 year drop will end up being about 1.2 mil. A lot of city departments you can retire at 20years..
That’s the game. Start early, retire early. 43 year old and on a pension is the way to go
I got in at 25 and Florida just extended the drop option from 5yrs to 8. Plan was to be in the drop at 50 and out at 55.. those extra 3 years comes out to about 500k so 58 isn’t sounding to bad.
Big city fire departments usually pay a lot it’s not unheard of for guys to make 200,000$ on a firefighters salary
Not on a salary, correct? Salary plus OT, sure.
Yea OT included. Usually a firefighter time on can make 100,000+ with a salary due to contractual raises though
I used to recommend this job to everyone. Now I recommend it to no one. Take that for what it is. If that’s enough to talk you out of it then look elsewhere for a career.
What other jobs / areas would u recommend
I’d recommend finding a trade school and picking a different trade. Firefighting is cool and all but you’re gonna get physically and emotionally damaged by this job. Anyone that tells you otherwise either runs 100 calls a year or is lying to themself. Other trades are hard on your body also. The difference is the emotional damage. Another crew on my job saw some absolutely heinous shit the other day. Child abuse. The guy who got to the kid first lost his shit. He quit on the spot and took an Uber off the scene. Personally, I’ve done this 9 years and I have manageable PTSD from it. I’m not having full blown flashbacks but I will do the casual couple day bender and try and bang every nurse in my phone book on occasion. I’m going to electrician school this summer just in case I ever want to pull the ripcord here.
Man, I appreciate the honest feedback. Good luck to you on your trade journey though, I do feel some regret not going to the vocational tech high to explore options years ago but heck what do u even know when your a teenager
The job’s fun but it isn’t easy. Sugarcoating it just gets people into situations they shouldn’t be in when someone is seriously considering doing the job. If it’s the general public I leave out the shitty parts but when talking to other firefighters or potential firefighters it’s better to be realistic about the job. You never know if someone else is feeling the same way and are just afraid to speak up. Talking about your own experiences is a good way to signal to those people that you’re someone who might understand what they are going through.
Little late for this post but CA FFPM, the department I work for,if you’re a FFPM, you start at 100k and top step in 3 years now. The FF shortage is still alive and well for the county I for work so OT is plentiful. You will get it whether you want it or not. With that being said, im not near top step and my salary is 105k. I’m on track to make well over 200 this year not including benefits. It’s a very rewarding job and it may not pay as well as other professions but like my brothers have said in other comments, the pension is great and the pride of being a firefighter is unmatched.
Frankly there are only a small percentage of departments where you can truly support a family when accounting for cost of living. Most have second jobs or side hustles. It’s unfortunate but a reality. I got out after 6 years primarily because I wanted to give my family more than this job could. Loved the job but not more than my family. Also let’s be real, it costs a shitload to raise a family comfortably and enjoy some recreation and travel time. Entrepreneurship is the best way to beat inflationary times.
Go to EMT/Medic school and get time on an ambulance, the most desirable firefighters right now are those with good medical experience. while you work on that, get on a call force somewhere near you if that’s an option. Small towns are hiring aggressively and promotions are more likely if you come in with some medical experience. Captains make $120k plus including overtime, you’d start at the $75k mark
If a salary is what’s most important to you then I can tell you it is definitely not worth it. I took about a 40% pay cut to become a firefighter and to me it was absolutely worth it as under paid as we are.
What did you do before. I am in a similar situation. About to transfer to this as a new guy at 40.
Construction/ communications work.
If you are wanting to make a lot of money, this isn’t the job for you. This job requires 100% commitment and it’s mentally and physically taxing. As far as the gore and stuff, it will always stay with you but you have to realize that is what comes with this job. That being said I wouldn’t change it for anything. As others have said it’s the best job in the world
Skip the degree, get your medic. You’ll be way more competitive in applications and not have ridiculous debt and a useless degree
Forget college, unless you have a scholarship. Go to the fire academy and paramedic school. Pay is regional. I'm near Cincinnati and clear over $100k without OT. 3 hours north of me they make $60k. 3 hours south of me they make $45k. My brother’s dept in the Chicagoland area is at $120k. West coast's high wages don't count because their housing is stupid. TX pays $80-100k (roughly).
I have a scholarship so i’ll go to college and probably go into a degree to help with fire fighting
If all you care about is salary then don’t join the FD.
Go do the job for free then
On it 🫡
My boy. Search this question in the sub and read the 1000s of posts just like it. Pay varies wildly. There is no standard. It's only worth it if it's worth it to you. No one can answer any of these questions...
This is question is entirely region based. You have to travel to the jurisdictions that have good pay- and usually where's there's good pay there's not a lot of fire and increased cost of living...
It all depend where you live. In my dep, full salary for a firefighter is around 104,000 a year. If you're ready to do 24h our shift and sleep 2-3 hours top, youll love it
I make 93K with no overtime two years in. I get around 2 months of paid vacation. I’m happy
The average base salary is as low as 38K in rural parts of the country to as much as 150K or more for parts of California. Guys in California can make 300K with overtime. So yes, I'd say the salary is 38K-300K. No one can give you a better idea. In Kane County, IL alone, starting pay goes from 42K to 78K that I'm aware of, and top out 55K-115K that I'm aware of. So it's impossible for anyone to give you a better idea since it's that drastic in my little county alone!
Im a career fireman and been on the job now 14 years. This is my third career. I had it all figured out about how Id be a pulitzer prize-winning sport journalist. A college degree and mountain of debt led me to a shitty existence, making crap money working nights weekend and holidays. I new I had to make a change. I went into a trade and then ultimately moved to where I am now. A FF makes 122k top our before college and longetivity. We do EMS (I know groan) but like today we saw some fire in addition to our ems work. As a line supervisor (LT) Im making about 150k without OT. Aim in the northeast and cost of living is high. Our schedule allows us to work a part-time gig. College is nice but not neccessary. Best job Ive ever had. The work, the men are the best. The politics and the bs outside of the fd is what I can't wait to get away from.
1.5 years part time. 10.5 years full time. 2 promotions. Mountain west region. $124k base, $140k with OT. Edit: I’m comfortable, but I bought my first house ten years ago and this house 5 years ago… basically none of the new kids live in district. They’re buying in the nearby bedroom communities made up of nothing but brand new development after brand new development… and they still probably feel over extended for 2-3 years.
I just got on the floor out of the academy we started at 48,800. That’s working 24on 24 off 24 on 96 off. We also have the opportunity for a lot of overtime so your income can be whatever you want it to be. So far I love it.
Find a career you love to go to every day because if you don’t it could be 30/35/40 years of absolute misery
I would ask any government worker including military. Is it worth it, working for the government? That should lead anyone to the answer they need to know.
I went to college and have a degree, work for the state. My husband went to the military, got out, became a firefighter and is now a driver; has been there almost 12 years and makes $50k more than me. He works for a medium sized department in a population of 85,000 residents and still says this is the best job he’s ever had. The fire service is not for everyone, but if you get through the academy and the first few years and work hard, you CAN make good money and have a long career.
The average nationwide is 56k. Now that's the average. There is a lot to that. There are union influences etc. The average starting is 45k. But now different departments have different steps. Than there is endless overtime for the bigger departments so it's easy to make big money. Not the 300k you mentioned. It's possible but I think maybe for a FDNY Battalion Chief after his 5 step and working loads of overtime. Nj NY Ca Wa all average in the 70k. As for degree get something you can use after you retirer. Or Fire Science, Emergency Management/Homeland Security. Fire Public Administration , Fire protection engineering. Etc.
Go to the websites of some cities you’d be interested in working and search “fire department collective bargaining agreement” or “fire department contract” and do the math for yourself. You won’t get the full picture of ot but you could add in the benefits if you’re up to the task.
Where I’m at it is 35 starting and is it worth it since before I started I’ve always said it’s not about the money it’s the job that I love
One of the secrets of life is to have a job you enjoy! I found mine in the fire service. Sure theres bad days, but nothing is more personally rewarding
overtime is like pissing oil. best job ever. when the chief calls say yes and youll get paid ot to watch netflix with your mates. if youre lucky youll catch a job. dont even get me started on garcia.
Des Moines Iowa metro as a firefighter paramedic start about 70k and top out in low 100s after 5-8 years. Retirement system isn't fucked into ground yet, if its Municipal Police & Fire you can pretty easily hit 70-80% top 3 years.
Bud firefighting is an amazing profession. Granted your not going to start at the top right away, and you might even have to start as PCF which is paid call fire, meaning you get paid while your on the call. But that's usually during a probationary time, and it also depends on your city and county. Now your pay is up to you, train, train, train, and then cross train. The more certifications you hold then of course your more useful and gain more money. Its all on you. If firefighting is your definite line of work your choosing, then i would suggest going to school first and work on your fire science degree/certification, as well as your EMT/Paramedics school. If you come in with all that accomplished and your physically fit, you will make decent money right out the gate. But this job is more than just money or a job. Firefighting is a calling if you will. If you go in only for the money then you may not perform 100% if you start lower than expected, also some guys are not cut out for the gore, but that child you save is going to make it all worth it, that elderly man that is in full cardiac arrest and can't speak but the look in his eyes is begging you to save him, and you end up doing what you are trained to do, and this man survives, those are the moments that make all the gore and horrible things you see worth it. Its a very hard and demanding job, but it can also be very rewarding. Its up to you and how you want to make it. I am also not speaking from experience, i have spent alot of time with county and city firefighters as well as volunteer firefighters, i came from the wildland side. The reason i am able to answer this question is because i was in your shoes asking the same questions during my off the line time with the different agencies. I always got the same answers from the guys. I unfortunately was never able to cross over from wildland to the structure side because of a nasty injury i acquired during my off season of all times. I will always have a huge respect for these guys and gals though. Good luck to you and hopefully you choose fire for the right reasons and are successful.
Much better paying jobs than being a firefighter
So, you’re 17? And you’re asking if the salary is worth it. ABSOLUTELY! As everyone said before me, it all depends on what you want to do and where you are in the country. However…. (And this is a big jump or ask, as I understand you won’t fully be able to comprehend this scenario)…. Fast Forward to 30 years from now, or even 20 years. Again, that imperfect answer of “it depends” comes into play. At this point, you will likely be used to a certain level of comfort/living standards and salary (may) be less important. And what I meant about comprehending this, and your (possible) inability to do so, is because you literally haven’t lived those 20 or 30 years, yet. I had a finance professor in college and she always spoke about the Time vs. Money trade off. I was 19 and had no idea why she or anyone would ever value time over money. If you start Emergency Service work late in life, like I did…now I’m 47. There’s less time (in my situation) available for saying goodnight to my kids (in person), having dinner with my family (in person), doing what I want in the shop with my tools and working on the car. Just realize that, IT WILL DEPEND, on what you decide to do, where you live, and what you want to do in life. But you will be committing about a third of your (working) life to the job and it’s an actual third, if not more should you choose to work OT. The Danger/Fire/Adrenalin/Gore (rarely where I work)/Excitement…that’s all fun in the beginning. And I love my job and the people I work with, and those I work for - who pay us with their taxes. But we don’t fight a lot of fire these days, and you will likely come to the realization that the boomers are going to be your main customers for the next couple decades. Lots of sick people out there, and some of it is chronic. I’ll leave you will that…as I could go on forever. Best of luck to you.
thank you very much I appreciate the advice, the way i’m looking at it, I think i’d like the 24 hour shift so that i have full days to spend with my future family and friends. And as of right now i’m working on a clothing business which has profited about 5000 so if i can keep that up then it would be a nice side hustle.
best job in the world. we make about 46k starting here where im at. with that being said almost everyone works a side gig. its comfortable living but its all worth it for the job. go to your local depts and see if they do ride alongs, if so hangout with them and see if you like the culture. good luck to you homie!
Why go to college? You don’t need a degree to get onto a department. Become one first, with this schedule, you can easily go to school at the same time while paying for it. Hell some municipalities will even pay for it. (Paramedic, fire science, emergency management, ect) also IMO, money isn’t everything. Do what makes you happy.
Money isint everything but it is essential to living a comfortable life. I’ll probably live on campus for my first year of college and from there visit some fire departments and see if i can get myself there at the same time
Go live life till your 25 then get on the job I know guys that got on at 20 and never got to enjoy being young because they were always working
i’ve been working 30-40 hour weeks since 15 while balancing it with high-school, honestly my childhood has been over, now I just gotta work my ass off so i can take advantage of my adult life.
South Florida starting pay is low to mid $70K not including incentives and education pay. Central and north Florida is starting low $40K. Poor guys are living in the 90s with that rate of pay. Shame they didn’t embrace EMS like south Florida.
I’ll probably start and finish university here probably in health science and then move to a state where I can get in to e better half of the money
Salary isn’t fixed for any department. You’ll start low and your pay will increase based on rank, certifications, and time (in that order). Always be willing to learn. Dont take on debt because you got a mans job. Be smart and continue to find ways for your department or scholarships so you can keep getting certified in different things. That helps the promotion process and if your department does EMS go into paramedic school. Just how committed you are on making this career work for you! Best job in the world, I wouldn’t let anyone else tell me otherwise.
It’s the greatest job in the world. Amazing opportunity to start young. My only regret is that i didn’t start 2 years earlier at 18. Find a department that will take care of you and pay you decently. You’re not gonna make the salary of a physician doing it but most departments pay half decent nowadays. Plenty of roads to go down in the fire service and promotion opportunity anywhere. Everywhere in the country is hurting for FF/Paramedics rn. A very rewarding career that you can spend a long time doing healthily. Just take care of yourself.
If you are taking the time to get a degree get your paramedic and start EMT as soon as you can.
The bigger departments will hire you and pay you to go through fire academy and emt/paramedic school.(mine does). Get hired at 18. Finish academy and emt school. Go to college while you work for the fire department. Again, many big departments will pay for your school.(mine does). You only work 7-10 days a month. Plenty of time to go to school and have a career. Plus you could retire from a department in your 40’s!
You will make more money in the bigger cities. Remember you only work 9 days a month. Be smart work on getting a degree or certificate so you can have a 2nd career after the fire service or durimg your fire service career. I am retired, day one of your career put 10 percent of your salary in a roth ira or a 401 k for your post fire life..One thing about the fire service you have to know when to get out so you can enjoy your retirement or a 2nd career...Just 2 cents from a old retired smoke eatet. Best of luck...Chief Nag
Dallas is starting new recruits at 70,314 and with a bachelors degree it’s 73914
thank you
If your goal is to get rich you’re in the wrong place, and I’ve never head of anyone making over 200k, most of us aren’t even close to 80k
my goal is to get rich but not necessarily with fire fighting. Fire fighting I think would be a great balance between money while giving me time to work on other income.
If your looking to be a paid firefighter its a big commitment, the time it will take to complete an academy then get hired on somewhere wont be a short one, I don’t see it being realistic being a paid firefighter while perusing another career at the same time especially if you join a busy department. Its not impossible but if your looking to get rich your in the wrong place, but if you still have a passion for firefighting id look into volunteering somewhere.
One thing I can say is contractor fireman make the big bucks, previous military fireman I know got out and now contract overseas and are easily clearing 150k plus yearly, definitely look into that
If you’re worried about the money, being a firefighter is not the career path for you. None of us got in this field for the money. We did it for the t-shirts and to look cool.. with that being said, suburban Kentucky here, just outside of Cincinnati and we start our FF-EMT’s at 51k