For those drawn to a career of courage, quick thinking, and profound public service, the role of a Firefighter Paramedic is a compelling calling. This unique profession merges the bravery of a firefighter with the critical medical expertise of a paramedic, creating a first responder capable of handling a vast array of emergencies. But beyond the adrenaline and altruism, what is the financial reality of this demanding career?
This guide provides a data-driven look at the fireman paramedic salary, exploring the factors that shape your earning potential. On average, professionals in this dual-certified role can expect a median salary in the range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, with significant potential for growth based on experience, location, and specialization.
What Does a Fireman Paramedic Do?
A Firefighter Paramedic is a public safety professional who is dually certified and trained to respond to both fire emergencies and medical calls. Unlike a standard firefighter or a standalone paramedic, they possess the skills to perform both jobs at a high level.
Their daily responsibilities are dynamic and unpredictable, often including:
- Suppressing fires, from small residential incidents to large-scale commercial blazes.
- Performing rescue operations in hazardous environments, such as car accidents or collapsed structures.
- Serving as the highest-level medical authority on an emergency scene before reaching a hospital.
- Administering Advanced Life Support (ALS), including intubation, IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, and administering life-saving medications.
- Assessing patients, stabilizing their conditions, and providing safe transport to medical facilities.
They are the versatile backbone of emergency response, equipped to save lives whether the threat is from flames or a medical crisis.
Average Fireman Paramedic Salary
While salary figures can vary, a clear picture emerges from leading data sources. A Firefighter Paramedic consistently earns more than a professional with only a single certification in either field, reflecting their expanded skill set and value to a department.
According to data from Salary.com (as of 2024), the median annual salary for a Firefighter Paramedic in the United States is approximately $68,300. The typical salary range falls between $61,800 and $79,600.
This represents a significant increase over the median salaries for the individual roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for Firefighters was $57,690 in May 2023, while the median for EMTs and Paramedics was $49,240. This premium highlights the high demand for professionals with dual qualifications.
It's also crucial to note that these base salaries are often supplemented by significant overtime pay, a common aspect of this career due to the 24/7 nature of emergency services.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your base salary as a Firefighter Paramedic is not a fixed number. It is influenced by a combination of factors, from your personal qualifications to the specifics of your employer. Understanding these elements can help you maximize your earning potential.
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Level of Education
While a four-year degree is not typically required to enter the field, higher education can directly impact your career trajectory and salary. The standard requirements are a high school diploma (or equivalent), completion of a fire academy, and a state or national paramedic certification (NRP). However, an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or Paramedicine can open doors to promotions. Leadership positions such as Lieutenant, Captain, or Battalion Chief often require or strongly prefer candidates with a degree, leading to substantial pay increases.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth in this profession. Pay scales in fire departments are structured to reward longevity and expertise.
- Entry-Level (0-5 years): New Firefighter Paramedics will start at the lower end of the pay scale, typically in the $55,000 to $65,000 range, as they learn to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
- Mid-Career (5-15 years): With proven experience, professionals can expect steady salary increases. They become eligible for promotions and specialized roles, pushing their earnings into the $70,000 to $85,000 range and beyond.
- Senior/Experienced (15+ years): Veteran Firefighter Paramedics are at the top of their pay grade. Many hold senior leadership ranks and earn salaries well over $90,000, with some chiefs in major metropolitan areas earning significantly more.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Salary levels are often tied to local government budgets, cost of living, and the strength of union contracts. According to BLS data for firefighters, which provides a strong indicator for the combined role, some of the top-paying states include:
- California: Often leads with high salaries, especially in large city departments like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
- Washington: Metropolitan areas like Seattle offer very competitive pay.
- New Jersey: Strong union presence and proximity to major urban centers contribute to high wages.
- New York: Similar to New Jersey, with high salaries in and around New York City.
Conversely, salaries tend to be lower in rural areas and states with a lower cost of living, particularly in the South and parts of the Midwest.
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Employer Type
Most Firefighter Paramedics work for municipal or county fire departments, but other employment avenues exist, each with a different pay structure.
- Municipal/City Fire Departments: This is the most common employer. Pay varies dramatically based on the city's size, tax base, and budget. Large urban departments typically offer the highest salaries.
- Federal Government: Agencies like the Department of Defense (for military bases), the National Park Service, or FEMA employ Firefighter Paramedics. These positions are often paid on the federal General Schedule (GS) scale and come with excellent benefits.
- Industrial or Private Fire Departments: Large manufacturing plants, airports, and private corporations sometimes maintain their own emergency response teams. These jobs can be very lucrative but are less common.
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Area of Specialization
Gaining additional certifications in specialized rescue disciplines can lead to pay stipends and make you a more valuable asset to your department. These specializations often come with increased responsibility and risk, which is compensated accordingly. Popular areas include:
- Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Technician
- Technical Rescue (e.g., swift water, high-angle, trench, or confined space rescue)
- Fire Investigator / Arson Inspector
- SWAT Medic / Tactical Paramedic
Earning these certifications can add several thousand dollars to your annual salary through specialist pay.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for fire and rescue professionals is stable and encouraging. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Firefighters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Crucially, the demand for dual-role professionals is even stronger. As emergency calls are increasingly medical in nature, fire departments across the country are prioritizing hiring candidates who already hold a paramedic license. This gives Firefighter Paramedics a distinct competitive advantage in the hiring process over applicants with only a firefighter certification.
Conclusion
A career as a Firefighter Paramedic is a commitment to public service that offers a competitive and stable income. While the national median salary provides a solid benchmark, your ultimate earning potential is in your hands. By focusing on continuous education, gaining experience, seeking out specializations, and being strategic about your location, you can build a financially rewarding career.
For those with the physical resilience, mental fortitude, and compassionate drive to master both firefighting and advanced medical care, the path of a Firefighter Paramedic is not only a noble calling but also a secure and fulfilling professional journey.