The salary of a Fire Fighter I in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Fire Fighter I in the United States is $45,296. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $41,817 to $49,834, with most professionals earning between $38,650 and $53,966.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $49,834 | $4,153 | $958 | $24 |
| Average | $45,296 | $3,775 | $871 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,817 | $3,485 | $804 | $20 |
An entry-level Fire Fighter I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $44,154. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $44,777. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $46,447. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $47,531, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $47,667.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Fire Fighter I | $44,154 |
| Intermediate Level Fire Fighter I | $44,777 |
| Senior Level Fire Fighter I | $46,447 |
| Specialist Level Fire Fighter I | $47,531 |
| Expert Level Fire Fighter I | $47,667 |
| Entry Level | 3% |
| Mid Level | 1% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 5% |
| Experienced | 5% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Fire Fighter I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $43,151 in 2023 to approximately $42,939 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Fire Fighter I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Fire Fighter I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Fire Fighter I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Fire Fighter I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $45,296 | 69.3% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,465 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,129 | 3.3% | ||
| Disability | $362 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 9.3% | ||
| Pension | $2,491 | 3.8% | ||
| Time Off | $5,575 | 8.5% | ||
| Total Compensation | $65,374 | 100% | ||
The average annual salary of Fire Fighter I is $45,296. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Fire Fighter I is $22; the average weekly pay of Fire Fighter I is $871; the average monthly pay of Fire Fighter I is $3,775.
A Fire Fighter I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Fire Fighter I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Fire Fighter I is $57,132.
The highest pay for Fire Fighter I is $53,966.
The lowest pay for Fire Fighter I is $38,650.
Responsible for rapid response to fires, accidents, and other emergencies to protect people, property, and the environment. Works with firefighting teams to control and extinguish fires and safely manage hazardous materials. Performs search and rescue, responds to auto accidents, and provides emergency medical services. Uses and operates fire tools, equipment and apparatus as effectively and safely as possible. Performs routine maintenance and inspection of firefighting equipment and gear to ensure proper condition and preparedness for emergencies. Prepares post-incident reports as required. May participate in fire safety education and inspection activities. Typically is required to pass periodic physical ability tests. May require registry in NREMT. May require an associate degree in fire science. Requires Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
