For those drawn to a career of courage, service, and critical action, the dual role of a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a powerful calling. It’s a profession that demands physical and mental fortitude, offering the profound reward of making a tangible difference in people's lives. But beyond the call of duty, a crucial question for any prospective professional is: what is the earning potential?
This guide provides a data-driven look into the salary of a Firefighter EMT. While compensation varies significantly, a skilled Firefighter EMT in the United States can expect to earn a competitive salary, with national medians ranging from $57,000 to nearly $70,000 per year, and top earners in high-demand areas exceeding $100,000 annually when overtime and specialization pay are included.
Let's break down what shapes that number.
What Does a Firefighter EMT Do?
A Firefighter EMT is a multi-disciplinary first responder. Their responsibilities extend far beyond simply battling blazes. On any given shift, they may be called to:
- Respond to fire alarms, operating pumps, hoses, and ladders to extinguish fires while performing search and rescue operations.
- Provide emergency medical care as a certified EMT. This includes assessing patient conditions, administering CPR, controlling bleeding, and stabilizing patients for transport to a hospital. In fact, medical calls often make up the majority of a fire department's responses.
- Handle hazardous materials (HazMat) incidents, identifying and mitigating chemical spills or other dangerous situations.
- Perform technical rescues, such as vehicle extrications or rescuing individuals from confined spaces or high angles.
- Conduct public education on fire prevention and safety.
- Maintain equipment, fire stations, and vehicles to ensure a constant state of readiness.
It is a dynamic, demanding, and deeply rewarding career that sits at the intersection of public safety and healthcare.
Average Firefighter EMT Salary
When analyzing salary data, it's essential to look at multiple sources to get a complete picture.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (May 2023), the median annual wage for Firefighters was $57,350, or $27.57 per hour. The BLS reports the following range:
- Lowest 10%: Earned less than $30,930
- Highest 10%: Earned more than $94,540
It is important to note that a vast majority of career firefighters are required to have at least an EMT-Basic certification, so this figure is highly representative of the Firefighter EMT role.
Reputable salary aggregators, which often include real-time, user-reported data as well as overtime and other compensation, tend to show slightly higher figures. For example:
- Salary.com reports the median salary for a Firefighter in the U.S. to be approximately $69,206 as of May 2024, with a typical range falling between $51,905 and $86,507.
- Payscale.com estimates the average base salary for a Firefighter/EMT at around $60,000 per year, not including potential overtime pay which can significantly increase total earnings.
The difference in these figures highlights the impact of factors like overtime, location, and experience, which we will explore next.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your total compensation as a Firefighter EMT is not a single number but a spectrum influenced by several key variables.
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Level of Education and Certification
While a four-year degree is not typically required to become a firefighter, your level of certification is a primary driver of pay.
- Baseline: A high school diploma (or equivalent), completion of a fire academy, and an EMT-Basic (EMT-B) certification are the standard entry requirements for most career departments.
- Advanced Certifications: Earning higher-level medical certifications directly boosts your earning potential. Firefighters who become Paramedics (Firefighter/Medic) command a significantly higher salary or receive a substantial pay differential due to their advanced lifesaving skills.
- Academic Degrees: An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or Public Administration can be a major advantage for career progression. These degrees are often required for promotion to leadership ranks like Lieutenant, Captain, or Battalion Chief, which come with substantial salary increases.
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Years of Experience
Like most professions, experience is rewarded with higher pay. Fire departments typically have a structured step-increase system based on years of service.
- Entry-Level (0-3 Years): A new firefighter just out of the academy will start at the bottom of the pay scale, often earning in the $45,000 to $58,000 range, depending on the department.
- Mid-Career (4-10 Years): With several years of experience, firefighters see steady salary growth through union-negotiated raises and step increases. Earnings can climb into the $60,000 to $75,000 range for base pay.
- Senior/Veteran (10+ Years): A veteran firefighter with extensive experience, especially one who has taken on training or mentorship roles, will be at the top of the pay scale, often earning $80,000 or more in base salary.
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Geographic Location
Where you work is one of the single most significant factors affecting your salary. Compensation is often tied to the local cost of living and the tax base of the municipality.
According to BLS data, the top-paying states for firefighters are:
1. California: Average annual salary of $87,970
2. New Jersey: Average annual salary of $85,670
3. Washington: Average annual salary of $82,990
4. New York: Average annual salary of $82,240
5. Hawaii: Average annual salary of $76,170
It is crucial to balance these high salaries against the high cost of living in these states. Conversely, states in the Southeast and Midwest may offer lower median salaries but also a more affordable cost of living.
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Employer Type
The type of agency you work for also plays a role in compensation.
- Municipal Fire Departments: City or county fire departments are the most common employers. Large, urban departments (e.g., FDNY, LAFD) typically offer the highest salaries, best benefits, and most opportunities for overtime and specialization.
- Federal Agencies: Working for federal entities like the U.S. Forest Service or the Department of Defense can offer competitive pay, especially for those specializing in wildland firefighting or working on military bases.
- Private/Industrial: Some large industrial facilities, airports, and private corporations employ their own fire brigades. These positions can be lucrative but are less common.
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Area of Specialization
Developing expertise in a specialized area is a proven way to increase your value and your pay. Most specializations require extensive training and certification, and departments often provide a pay stipend for holding these qualifications. Key specializations include:
- Paramedic: As mentioned, this is the most common and lucrative specialization.
- Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Technician: Responding to chemical spills and leaks.
- Technical Rescue Technician: Specializing in high-angle rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench collapse, or swift water rescue.
- Arson Investigator: Working to determine the cause and origin of fires.
- Driver/Engineer: Responsible for driving the apparatus and operating the pump and other mechanical equipment.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for Firefighter EMTs is stable. The BLS projects a 3% growth in employment for firefighters between 2022 and 2032. While this is slower than the average for all occupations, it still translates to about 26,500 openings each year, primarily due to professionals retiring or transferring to different occupations.
Furthermore, the outlook for EMTs and Paramedics is projected to grow by 5%, which is faster than average. This underscores the increasing importance of medical response in the fire service and reinforces the value of holding an EMT or Paramedic certification.
Competition for positions in career fire departments is often intense. Candidates with paramedic certification and a strong academic background will have the best prospects.
Conclusion
A career as a Firefighter EMT is more than a job—it’s a commitment to community, safety, and service. While the path is challenging, the financial compensation is solid and competitive, supported by strong benefits and pension plans in most departments.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Solid Earning Potential: With national medians ranging from $57,000 to nearly $70,000, the career provides a stable and respectable income.
- Growth is in Your Hands: Your salary is directly influenced by your choices. Pursuing paramedic certification, specializing in technical skills, and gaining experience are the surest ways to increase your earnings.
- Location Matters: Your paycheck will look very different in Los Angeles, California, than it will in a small town in the Midwest. Research local departments to understand the specific pay scales in your target area.
- It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Compensation grows steadily over a long career through structured pay increases, promotional opportunities, and the potential for significant overtime pay.
For those with the heart and determination to answer the call, the Firefighter EMT profession offers a lifetime of purpose, camaraderie, and the ability to build a secure and prosperous future.