Firefighter Salary Calculator
Median firefighter pay is $59,280 a year. Enter your own salary to see what you actually take home after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare.
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See the take-home pay for a firefighter salary after taxes.
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Firefighter salary: what the data says
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2025 wage data), the median pay for firefighters was $59,280 a year ($28.50 an hour). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,910 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,040. There were about 355,300 jobs in 2025, the typical entry-level education is a high school diploma plus emergency medical services training, and the BLS projects 4% growth (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035.
What you take home after federal tax
The table estimates take-home pay for a single filer using the 2026 federal standard deduction ($16,100), the 2026 federal brackets, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500) and Medicare (1.45%). It does not include state or local income tax, 401(k) contributions or health insurance, which you can add in the calculator above.
| Level | Gross a year | Federal tax | Social Security + Medicare | Take-home a year | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% (cut-off) | $34,910 | $2,009 | $2,671 | $30,230 | $2,519 |
| Median | $59,280 | $4,934 | $4,535 | $49,811 | $4,151 |
| Highest 10% (cut-off) | $101,040 | $13,399 | $7,730 | $79,912 | $6,659 |
Pay varies a lot by state, city, employer, experience, shift differentials and overtime. The median is a national figure, not an offer or a guarantee. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2025 wage data). Tax figures: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and SSA.
How to use the firefighter salary calculator
- Leave the annual salary at the national median or type your own pay.
- Add your 401(k) contribution percentage if you save before tax.
- Enter your state income tax rate (0 if your state has none).
- Read your take-home pay per year, month, paycheck and hour.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make a year?
The median pay for firefighters was $59,280 a year in May 2025 ($28.50 an hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay depends on state, employer and experience.
How much does a firefighter take home after taxes?
On the national median of $59,280, a single filer keeps about $49,811 a year ($4,151 a month) after federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare, before any state tax.
What is the hourly pay for firefighters?
The median hourly pay was $28.50 in 2025. At 2,080 working hours a year that is roughly $59,280 before taxes.
What education do you need to become a firefighter?
The BLS lists a high school diploma plus emergency medical services training as the typical entry-level education.
Is the firefighter job outlook good?
The BLS projects 4% growth (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035. Actual local demand depends on your area.
Does this calculator include state tax?
Only if you enter a state rate. By default it estimates federal income tax and FICA for a single filer, so your real take-home pay will be lower in states with an income tax.
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