How much do firefighters make?

The average salary for a firefighter in the United States is just under $44,000, as of 2014. This salary reflects full-time work and is generally not affected by experience. Firefighters can earn raises throughout their career, but as employees of the government, salaries are often set based on initial position.

The location in which firefighters work has the greatest effect on their annual earnings. A firefighter working in New York City is likely to earn a higher salary than one working in Atlanta, Ga. There are also volunteer firefighter positions available, but these are generally unpaid positions that are available on a part-time basis.