Firefighter Salary in Alabama
Based on 7K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$47,600
$22.88/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
-17.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $76K
7K employed in Alabama
The median Firefighter salary in Alabama is $47,600 annually, which equates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, falling about 17.3% below it. With 7,260 firefighters employed across the state, Alabama offers a substantial career field for those dedicated to public service.
Several factors can influence a firefighter's earning potential in Alabama. Experience levels, specific certifications, and the employing municipality's size and budget all play a significant role. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the salary range, around $29,770, while experienced firefighters in larger departments could earn up to $76,190.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,770 |
| 25th percentile | $37,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,600 |
| 75th percentile | $59,520 |
| 90th percentile | $76,190 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,028 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,600 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,028 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,150 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $76,190 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Firefighter ($47,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in AL | $51,270 | +7.7% | $24.65/hr |
| Security Guard in AL | $33,720 | -29.2% | $16.21/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in AL | $47,310 | -0.6% | $22.75/hr |
| Paralegal in AL | $47,260 | -0.7% | $22.72/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in AL | $48,510 | +1.9% | $23.32/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in AL | $49,230 | +3.4% | $23.67/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in AL | $45,640 | -4.1% | $21.94/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in AL | $49,630 | +4.3% | $23.86/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in AL | $50,160 | +5.4% | $24.12/hr |
| Bookkeeper in AL | $44,640 | -6.2% | $21.46/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AL | $50,900 | +6.9% | $24.47/hr |
| Graphic Designer in AL | $51,070 | +7.3% | $24.55/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in Alabama?
- The median Firefighter salary in Alabama is $47,600 per year. This is equivalent to an hourly wage of about $23, which is less than the national average.
What is the salary range for firefighters in Alabama?
- In Alabama, the salary range for firefighters generally falls between $29,770 for entry-level positions and $76,190 for more experienced roles. This wide range reflects variations in experience and responsibility.
How many firefighters are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 7,260 firefighters employed across Alabama. This indicates a significant number of opportunities within the state for this profession.
Is the salary for firefighters in Alabama lower than the national average?
- Yes, the Firefighter salary in Alabama is lower than the national average. The median salary in Alabama is about 17.3% less than the national median.