How does firefighters get paid

Firefighters usually obtain paid on-the-job training before they start to work for their department. Comparatively, firefighters with a bachelor's or master's degree draw higher wages than those who do not possess a degree.

This ancillary pay is to match with their level of education and varies by department. The benefits of working as a firefighter can include dental, health insurance coverage and pension after 25 years in service.

They are also eligible to receive disability payments in case of injury on the job. Firefighters also have job security and receive academic scholarships for themselves and their dependents if they belong to any union. Build a career you'll love What. Home Career Explorer Firefighter Salaries. Per hour Per day Per week Per month Per year. Average base salary Data source tooltip for average base salary.

Most common benefits Food provided. View more benefits. Was the salaries overview information useful? Top companies for Firefighters in United States 1. Snohomish County. Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. City of Wyoming. State of Vermont. Was this information useful? Highest paying cities for Firefighters in United States 1. Reducing firefighter cancer risk: How emotionally attached are you? The future of turnout gear is about to be decided.

More than 1, courses and videos, including more than hours of approved EMS credit! Controlling the flow path: How to handle door control with limited staffing. Electric vehicles and storage systems: Critical challenges facing the fire service. Can firefighters pick and choose which community events to attend? Topics Career. Email Print Comment. Rachel Engel Rendering Aid. How much do firefighters get paid? About the author Rachel Engel is the senior associate editor of FireRescue1.

Tags Are you interested in joining the greatest profession in the world? Which type of fire service leader are you? A Calif. FF resigned over a toxic work culture.

Now he's returning to lead change. The 5-year firefighter: Advice for firefighters and their fire departments. Join the discussion. Are you considering becoming a volunteer firefighter and wondering whether you might get a little financial compensation for doing so?

They may be given a per call rate, or a monthly or annual stipend, though this cannot be linked to their performance on the job. They may also accrue benefits on the job such as a pension. Being a volunteer firefighter usually means that you do it for the experience and to give back to your community, but you can sometimes be compensated. Your 1 priority is keeping your family safe. As a firefighter, I recommend everyone have a home safety kit that can ensure everyone you love gets out quickly and unharmed, in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Here is the Safety Kit that I recommend. This is a complicated area. The FLSA says that anyone that is paid an hourly wage must be paid minimum wage and that if their hours go above a certain threshold — they must also be paid an overtime rate. In essence, the FLSA sees hourly-paid workers as employees and not as volunteers.