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Firefighters make an average of $56,310 per year nationwide. However, firefighter compensation varies by location and position, so salaries can climb up to well over six figures for more leadership positions. As a result, firefighting can provide competitive annual pay for those who want to do the rewarding work of rescuing others during emergencies.

Read on to learn more about the income, responsibilities, and pros and cons of pursuing a career as a firefighter.

What Are Firefighters

Firefighters are trained professionals who respond to fires, rescue situations, hazardous material spills, and medical emergencies. Their primary responsibility is to protect life, property, and the environment from the adverse effects of human-made and natural fires.

These dedicated professionals navigate unpredictable circumstances with selflessness. The job can be dangerous but also a very rewarding career. A few details to note:

•   Firefighters are typically employed by city, county, state, and federal governments.

•   Because fires and other emergencies are dangerous, these professionals put their lives on the line every day.

•   The job is demanding because shifts can last 24 hours. Firefighters usually work full-time.

Additionally, firefighters typically have emergency medical technician (EMT) certifications because they respond to health crises. For instance, local fire departments provide critical assistance for people trapped under debris from a storm. Likewise, they often transport the injured to hospitals and health facilities. For this reason, most firefighters can drive and operate ambulances as well as fire trucks.


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Examples of Firefighter Job Responsibilities

Here are the essential duties of firefighters, most of which relate to helping individuals and communities during emergencies:

1.    Fire suppression: As the name implies, a firefighter’s definitive job is extinguishing fires. This includes house fires and wildfires. Firefighters use various tools and equipment, such as water hoses, fire extinguishers, and specialized vehicles, to control and put out fires.

2.    Rescue operations: Firefighters are trained in various rescue techniques to save people from dangerous situations, including trapped individuals in buildings, vehicles, or natural disasters.

3.    Emergency medical response: Many firefighters are emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. This training allows them to provide prehospital medical care, including administering first aid and stabilizing patients until they are transported to a hospital.

4.    Hazardous materials response: Firefighters are usually the first on the scene of accidents involving hazardous chemicals and materials. For instance, if a tanker truck crashes, firefighters use specialized equipment to contain and mitigate the effects of the spill.

5.    Public education and prevention: A part of firefighters’ public service is engaging in community outreach and educational efforts for fire safety and best practices for emergency response. They also provide tours of fire departments to residents.

6.    Equipment maintenance: Firefighters rely on their gear and equipment to perform their jobs, and disasters can occur at any time. As a result, maintaining and cleaning their equipment, including fire engines, tools, and personal protective gear, is vital.

How Much Do Starting Firefighters Make a Year?

An entry-level firefighter’s salary varies depending on location, with the lowest 10% of positions starting at $29,150 on average. While the starting pay is lower than other jobs, firefighters can increase their salaries by getting promoted to leadership positions or specializing in a certain aspect of the job.

For instance, a firefighter officer leads teams of firefighters and can earn an annual salary of $161,372. Likewise, professionals who provide paramedical training for firefighters can earn $120,828 per year. So, yes, it is possible to earn a $100,000 salary or more as a firefighter.

Remember, changing locations can also help increase firefighters’ compensation. For instance, firefighters in North Carolina earn an average salary of $36,660, while positions in New Jersey have an average pay of $77,740. (Of course, the local cost of living may rise along with the pay.)

What is the Average Salary for a Firefighter?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics database shows that the average firefighter salary is $56,310 annually vs. hourly pay. Here’s a breakdown of the average firefighter salary by state, listed alphabetically:

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Firefighter Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

As a firefighter, you can expect to make $56,310 on average, which is a few thousand dollars less than the average salary in the U.S., which is currently $59,540. Additionally, numerous benefits come with the job to enhance your financial well-being and quality of life.

For example:

•   Full-time firefighters receive health and dental insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, tax-advantaged retirement plans, and pensions.

•   Union firefighters can receive their pay and benefits through a contract, locking in their compensation package.

•   Firefighters can qualify for exclusive financial aid and scholarships for higher education. For instance, The Maryland State Firemen’s Association gives scholarships to students getting degrees in fire science or medical emergency services. This could help students who might otherwise be entering a career without a college degree.

•   Firefighters can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they helped their neighbors at the end of the day. From pulling children out of burning buildings to assisting the injured, a firefighter’s duty centers on safeguarding life. As a result, the profession is personally meaningful and fulfilling. (It’s worth noting, though, that given the human interaction involved, it may not be the best career for an introvert.)

Pros and Cons of Firefighter Salary

Being a firefighter means enjoying the perks of the job while making the best of the drawbacks. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Pros

First, the upsides of pursuing this career:

•   Helping others: Firefighters experience a deep sense of purpose by directly contributing to the safety and wellbeing of their communities. The opportunity to protect individuals and families is a significant motivator for individuals drawn to this profession. Additionally, their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to save others can garner appreciation and gratitude.

•   Straightforward qualifications: Becoming a firefighter typically requires a high school diploma or GED, passing a physical fitness test, and being at least 18 years old. The position’s accessibility allows individuals from diverse educational backgrounds to pursue a career in firefighting without requiring extensive academic qualifications.

Furthermore, firefighters interested in more education can acquire extensive education (including EMT training) and scholarships for higher education to advance their positions.

•   Competitive pay and benefits: While entry-level firefighting positions might offer low initial pay, more experienced firefighters earn a competitive salary vs. the national average. Considering the accessible entry-level requirements, the job has good pay and benefits without extensive education. Likewise, full-time firefighters receive comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. While it’s likely not the highest paying job in your area, it reliably puts food on the table.

•   Tight work bonds: Firefighters work closely as a team and forge strong bonds with their colleagues. The nature of emergency response requires cooperation and communication, creating a sense of camaraderie among team members. Additionally, firefighters often face challenging situations together, leading to shared experiences that strengthen their professional and personal relationships.

•   Federal loan forgiveness: Firefighters may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness under specific criteria. The PSLF Program is designed to assist public service providers, including firefighters, in repaying their federal student loan debt.

Cons

Next, consider the potential downsides of becoming a firefighter:

•   Safety risk: Firefighters face inherent risks associated with entering burning buildings, handling hazardous materials, and engaging in rescue operations. Long-term exposure to smoke and chemicals is also dangerous. These physical hazards can lead to injuries, health complications, or loss of life.

•   Challenging work schedule: Firefighters often work in shifts, which can include 24-hour shifts and working overnight. For this reason, firefighters typically work over 50 hours per week instead of a typical 9-5 job. Combined with the challenging situations firefighters tackle, the job might not be a fit for those who want a low-stress job or folks that want to work from home sometimes.

•   Few to no traditional weekends or holidays off: Firefighters frequently work on weekends and holidays because emergencies happen regardless of the time of year. This can impact personal and family life, as firefighters won’t have the same days off as those working in more traditional Monday-to-Friday roles.

The Takeaway

Across America, the median salary for how much a firefighter makes a year is $56,310, though the earning potential can rise into the six figures. Firefighters play a crucial role in safeguarding people, property, and the environment from the adverse effects of fires and emergencies. Responding to a wide range of incidents, from fire suppression to rescue operations and medical emergencies, firefighters are dedicated professionals who undergo extensive training to serve their communities effectively. However, the job is a challenging one, with inherent health and wellbeing risks, as well as possibly long hours and considerable stress.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a firefighter?

While the national median salary for a firefighter is $56,310, making $100k a year in the profession is achievable. For instance, the positions of fire lieutenant, captain, and chief all have the potential to pay six figures.

Do people like being a firefighter?

Firefighting can be a fulfilling, meaningful career because the job is about helping others in emergencies and dire circumstances. However, it can be mentally and emotionally taxing because of the intensity of the work. Therefore, whether you like being a firefighter will depend on your job preferences and outlook.

Is it hard to get hired as a firefighter?

The path to becoming a firefighter involves getting your high school diploma or GED, passing a written exam, physical, and in-person interview. Therefore, while the educational barriers are low, getting hired as a firefighter can require discipline and commitment.

About the author

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.

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If you just started your first job after graduation, you may be dreaming of all the ways you could spend your first paycheck. But before you go on a shopping spree, it’s a good idea to think carefully about how to make the most of this influx of cash.

While it’s fine to splurge a little and reward yourself for your hard work, it’s also wise to put some of your first paycheck towards savings, retirement, and debt repayment (if you have debt). These tips for how to use your first paycheck — and all the others after that — can help set you up for future success.

6 Smart Money Moves to Make After Your First Paycheck

Developing smart money habits early in your career can pave the way for long-term financial stability and independence. These six steps can put you in the right direction.

1. Set Up a Checking and Savings Account

Opening a checking and savings account is an essential first move in managing your finances. If you already have accounts, take a moment to evaluate whether they still meet your needs. With a checking account, you ideally want to find one with no monthly fees and minimal other fees, plus access to a wide network of free ATMs. When it comes to savings accounts, it’s a good idea to compare annual percentage yields (APYs) to find one that pays well over the average interest rate for savings accounts (0.41% APY as of December 16, 2024).

In addition to the major national banks, also consider online banks and credit unions, which often offer better interest rates and lower fees than traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.

2. Create a Budget

Before you decide what to buy with your first paycheck, it’s a good idea to rough out a basic budget. This can be as simple as listing your fixed monthly expenses (e.g., rent, transportation, groceries, utilities, and debt payments), adding them up, and subtracting the total from your monthly take-home pay. The number you end up with is what you have for nonessential (aka, “fun”) spending and getting ahead on any debt.

One general budgeting rule of thumb is the 50/30/20 formula. This approach divides your after-tax income into three categories: 50% for necessary expenses (“needs”), 30% for discretionary spending (“wants”), and 20% for savings and debt repayment beyond the minimum (“goals”).

Depending on your income and expenses, you may need to adjust these percentages. That’s okay. The idea is to put some parameters on your spending and make sure part of every paycheck goes towards your goals.

3. Start an Emergency Fund

An essential first step when earning a regular salary is to start an emergency fund. Financial experts generally recommend having at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses tucked away in a savings account for emergencies. You might even want to open a separate high-yield savings account earmarked for emergencies so you don’t inadvertently spend this money on something else.

While saving for a rainy day might seem like a boring way to use your first paycheck, skipping this step could end up being a costly mistake. Without a back-up fund, any bump in the road — like a major car repair, trip to the ER, or loss of income — could force you to run up credit card debt that could take months, even years, to get out from under.

You don’t have to build your emergency fund overnight. Setting aside even $25 to $50 per paycheck builds a foundation. Consider setting up a recurring transfer from checking to savings for a set amount on the same day each month. Once your emergency savings is funded, you put that money towards other savings goals.

Recommended: Emergency Fund Calculator

4. Pay Off Debt

If you have high-interest debt, like credit card balances, it’s a good idea to use some of your paycheck to make extra payments beyond the minimum due. This can help you save a significant amount of money on interest over time. Moving forward, you might also use extra income — like a tax refund or work bonus — to make lump-sum payments towards high-interest debt.

If you have student loans, now is a good time to start paying them back. You generally have a six-month grace period after graduation before you’re required to start repayment. But the sooner you get started, the faster you can pay them off, and the less interest you’ll end up owing.

5. Start Investing

Retirement may feel like it’s eons away, but a great use of your fist paycheck is putting a small amount into your 401(lk). Even setting aside 5% or 10% percent of that first paycheck into a retirement savings account could reduce the amount of years you need to work and improve your quality of life after retirement. This is thanks to the magic of compound returns — when the returns you earn on your investments also earn returns. The earlier you start investing, the more you benefit from compound growth.

Many companies will also match your contributions up to a set amount. If yours offers this benefit, try to contribute up to the full match, since this is essentially free money. If your employer doesn’t offer 401(k) contributions, you can also look into opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) on your own.

6. Treat Yourself Responsibly

Making a plan for what to do with your first paycheck doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun with your first substantial payday. In fact, if you’re using the 50/30/20 (or a similar) budgeting formula, you’ll know exactly how much of your first paycheck you can fritter away without jeopardizing your financial health. And you’ll be able to splurge without feeling guilty, since it’s factored into the plan. So enjoy yourself — you earned it!

The Takeaway

Your first paycheck is a major milestone and a stepping stone toward financial independence. Smart moves — like creating a budget, starting an emergency fund, investing, and paying off debt — can help you make the most of your first paycheck. And don’t forget to leave some room in your paycheck to treat yourself too. Making wise money choices now will help you achieve stability and wealth in the future.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

How much of my first paycheck should I save?

A general guideline is to save at least 20% of your paycheck. This includes emergency savings, saving for short-term goals, and retirement contributions. If you have debt, however, you’ll want to prioritize repaying high-interest obligations, while still setting aside some savings.

Whatever percentage of your paycheck you decide to save, it’s a good idea to automate savings to ensure consistency and make it easier to build financial security over time.

How do I cash my first paycheck?

Most banks will cash a paycheck as long as you have an account with them. If you don’t have a bank account yet, you may be able to cash the check at the issuing bank, which is printed on the check. You’ll likely need a show photo ID, and may have to pay a fee.

Ideally, you want to open a checking account and set up direct deposit with your employer, so you won’t have to bother cashing your paycheck. Depositing your check, rather than cashing it immediately, also allows for better money management and financial security.

How do I set up direct deposit?

Setting up direct deposit is usually handled by your employer’s HR or payroll department. You may be able to complete the process through an online portal, or you might have to fill out a direct deposit authorization form. Either way, you’ll need to provide your bank’s name, address, and routing number; your account number: the type of account: and (in some cases) a voided check. Keep in mind that it can take a few weeks for direct deposit to go into effect.

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SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

Separately, SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days can also earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. For additional details, see the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.

Members without either Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, or who do not enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days, will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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