Firefighter Salary in Illinois
Based on 18K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$78,380
$37.68/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+36.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $106K
18K employed in Illinois
The median Firefighter salary in Illinois is $78,380 per year, which equates to approximately $38 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, standing at 36.2% more. In Illinois, around 18,400 individuals are employed in this vital profession, contributing to the safety and well-being of communities across the state.
Several factors can influence the Firefighter salary in Illinois. Experience levels, the specific fire department or district, and location within the state are primary drivers of compensation. Firefighters in larger metropolitan areas or those with more specialized training and responsibilities may command higher salaries within the established range.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,900 |
| 25th percentile | $47,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,380 |
| 75th percentile | $103,530 |
| 90th percentile | $106,060 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,731 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,380 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,731 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,060 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Firefighter ($78,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in IL | $100,520 | +28.2% | $48.33/hr |
| Security Guard in IL | $39,490 | -49.6% | $18.99/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in IL | $78,470 | +0.1% | $37.73/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in IL | $79,120 | +0.9% | $38.04/hr |
| Loan Officer in IL | $79,150 | +1.0% | $38.05/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in IL | $79,930 | +2.0% | $38.43/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in IL | $76,820 | -2.0% | $36.93/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in IL | $79,990 | +2.1% | $38.46/hr |
| Logistician in IL | $80,100 | +2.2% | $38.51/hr |
| Accountant in IL | $80,230 | +2.4% | $38.57/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in IL | $76,380 | -2.6% | $36.72/hr |
| Interior Designer in IL | $76,290 | -2.7% | $36.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a firefighter in Illinois?
- The median annual Firefighter salary in Illinois is $78,380. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with salaries typically falling between $38,900 and $106,060.
How does the Illinois firefighter salary compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Illinois are considerably higher than the national average, coming in at 36.2% above it. The median Illinois salary of $78,380 stands in stark contrast to national figures.
What is the hourly pay for a firefighter in Illinois?
- Based on the median annual salary of $78,380, a firefighter in Illinois can expect to earn an average of $38 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the overall compensation package for the profession in the state.
What is the salary range for firefighters in Illinois?
- The salary range for Firefighter positions in Illinois spans from a low of $38,900 annually to a high of $106,060. The median salary of $78,380 falls comfortably within this broad spectrum.