For those drawn to a career of service, courage, and critical thinking, the role of a Paramedic Fireman—often called a Fire Medic—represents one of the most dynamic and rewarding paths in emergency services. This hybrid profession combines the fire suppression and rescue skills of a firefighter with the advanced medical expertise of a paramedic. But beyond the profound personal fulfillment, what is the financial outlook for this demanding career?
This article provides a data-driven analysis of the paramedic fireman salary, exploring the factors that shape your earning potential. You can expect a competitive salary that often ranges from $55,000 to well over $95,000 annually, reflecting the high level of skill and responsibility required.
What Does a Paramedic Fireman Do?
A Paramedic Fireman is a dually certified professional operating on the front lines of public safety. They are both a state-certified paramedic and a fully trained firefighter, capable of handling a wide spectrum of emergencies. While a typical day is anything but predictable, their core responsibilities include:
- Responding to Medical Emergencies: The vast majority of calls for fire departments are medical. Paramedic Firemen administer Advanced Life Support (ALS), including giving IV medications, performing advanced airway procedures like intubation, interpreting EKGs, and managing cardiac arrest and major trauma scenes.
- Fire Suppression and Rescue: They perform all the traditional duties of a firefighter, such as extinguishing structural fires, extricating victims from vehicle accidents, and conducting search and rescue operations.
- Hazardous Materials Response: They are trained to identify and mitigate incidents involving hazardous materials.
- Public Education and Station Maintenance: Between calls, they engage in community outreach, conduct fire safety inspections, and maintain their station, apparatus, and equipment.
This dual certification makes them incredibly valuable assets to any department, as they can seamlessly transition between medical care and fireground operations at a moment's notice.
Average Paramedic Fireman Salary
The dual certification held by a Paramedic Fireman typically commands a higher salary than a firefighter with only a basic EMT certification or a paramedic who does not work for a fire department. The combination of physically demanding rescue work and high-stakes medical intervention places them in a higher pay bracket.
- Average National Salary: According to Salary.com, as of early 2024, the average salary for a Firefighter/Paramedic in the United States is $67,617.
- Typical Salary Range: Most Paramedic Firemen will see their salaries fall within a range of $57,665 to $80,422.
- Entry-Level vs. Senior Positions: The bottom 10% of earners, likely representing entry-level or probationary positions in lower-paying regions, make around $50,296. In contrast, the top 10% of earners—seasoned veterans, officers, or those in high-paying metropolitan areas—can earn $90,929 or more.
It's important to note that these figures often represent base salary. Overtime, which is common in this profession, can significantly increase total annual compensation.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your base salary as a Paramedic Fireman is not static. It's influenced by a combination of your qualifications, location, and career choices. Understanding these factors is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
While a high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement to enter a fire academy, your level of formal education and certification is critical.
- Required Certifications: You must successfully complete a state-accredited Fire Academy and a state-accredited Paramedic program. Paramedic programs can result in a certificate or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.
- Higher Education: An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field can be a significant advantage. Many departments offer educational incentive pay—a percentage increase in your salary for holding a degree. Furthermore, a degree is often a prerequisite for promotion to officer ranks like Lieutenant, Captain, or Battalion Chief, which come with substantial pay raises.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most direct drivers of salary growth in the fire service. Departments have structured pay scales that reward longevity and expertise.
- Probationary Period: New hires typically start as a probationary Paramedic Fireman at the bottom of the pay scale.
- Step Increases: After probation (usually one year), firefighters receive annual or biennial "step increases" that automatically raise their salary.
- Promotional Ranks: The most significant salary jumps come from promotions. An experienced Paramedic Fireman can pursue promotion to roles like Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain. According to Glassdoor, a Fire Captain's salary can be 30-50% higher than a firefighter's.
### Geographic Location
Where you work has a massive impact on your paycheck. Salaries are adjusted to reflect the local cost of living, tax base, and the strength of union contracts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top-paying states for firefighters (a category that includes Paramedic Firemen) are:
1. California: Average annual wage of $87,970
2. Washington: Average annual wage of $84,910
3. New Jersey: Average annual wage of $83,730
4. New York: Average annual wage of $82,470
5. Oregon: Average annual wage of $78,820
Metropolitan areas within these states often pay even more. Conversely, salaries in rural areas and states in the South and Midwest tend to be lower, though the cost of living is also proportionally less.
### Company Type
In this profession, "company type" translates to the type of government agency you work for.
- Municipal Fire Departments: City and county fire departments are the most common employers. Large, urban departments (e.g., FDNY, LAFD) typically offer the highest salaries due to a larger tax base and strong union representation.
- Fire Districts: These are special districts that operate independently of a city or county and serve a specific geographic area. Their pay is competitive but can vary widely.
- State Agencies: Organizations like Cal Fire (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) employ thousands of Paramedic Firemen and offer competitive state-level salary and benefits packages.
- Federal Government: The federal government hires Paramedic Firemen to work on military bases, national parks, and other federal properties. These jobs follow the General Schedule (GS) pay scale and offer excellent benefits.
### Area of Specialization
Obtaining additional certifications in specialized rescue disciplines can lead to assignment in elite units and often comes with stipend pay. This extra pay is added on top of your base salary. Popular specializations include:
- Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Technician
- Technical Rescue (e.g., swift water, high-angle, confined space, trench rescue)
- Arson Investigator/Fire Inspector
- Tactical Paramedic (operates with law enforcement SWAT teams)
- Fireboat or Marine Rescue Operations
These specializations not only increase your income but also make you a more valuable and versatile member of your department.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for emergency medical professionals is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for EMTs and Paramedics will grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
While the growth for firefighters is projected to be slower at 2%, departments increasingly prefer or require paramedic certification for new hires. This means that a dually certified Paramedic Fireman is one of the most sought-after candidates in the field. Your advanced medical skills give you a significant competitive edge in the hiring process and ensure your skills remain in high demand.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as a Paramedic Fireman is a commitment to a life of service, continuous training, and immense responsibility. The financial compensation reflects this reality. With a solid starting salary and numerous avenues for growth through experience, education, and specialization, it is a financially viable and stable long-term career.
For those considering this path, the message is clear: the dedication required to achieve dual certification is rewarded not only with a fulfilling mission but also with a competitive salary and a secure professional future. By strategically focusing on location, continued education, and specialized skills, you can build a highly successful and prosperous career on the front lines of emergency response.