Firefighter Salary in Maryland
Based on 5K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$73,810
$35.49/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+28.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $99K
5K employed in Maryland
The median Firefighter salary in Maryland is $73,810 per year, which translates to about $35 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, showing a notable appreciation for the profession within the state. The salary range for firefighters in Maryland spans from $48,030 for entry-level positions to $98,770 for experienced professionals.
Several factors influence a Firefighter salary in Maryland. These include years of experience, the specific fire department or district where an individual is employed, and any specialized certifications or advanced training obtained. Location within Maryland can also play a role, with larger metropolitan areas potentially offering higher compensation to account for cost of living and demand.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,030 |
| 25th percentile | $57,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $73,810 |
| 75th percentile | $90,760 |
| 90th percentile | $98,770 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,810 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,024 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,810 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,024 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $73,810 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $90,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,770 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Firefighter ($73,810 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in MD | $77,970 | +5.6% | $37.49/hr |
| Security Guard in MD | $38,220 | -48.2% | $18.38/hr |
| Loan Officer in MD | $73,580 | -0.3% | $35.38/hr |
| Social Worker in MD | $73,580 | -0.3% | $35.38/hr |
| Electrician in MD | $73,490 | -0.4% | $35.33/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in MD | $74,660 | +1.2% | $35.89/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MD | $75,120 | +1.8% | $36.12/hr |
| Credit Analyst in MD | $75,390 | +2.1% | $36.25/hr |
| Editor in MD | $75,550 | +2.4% | $36.32/hr |
| School Counselor in MD | $75,820 | +2.7% | $36.45/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MD | $75,910 | +2.8% | $36.50/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in MD | $76,370 | +3.5% | $36.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in Maryland?
- The median Firefighter salary in Maryland is $73,810 annually. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for firefighters in Maryland?
- Firefighter salaries in Maryland typically range from $48,030 for those at the lower end of the pay scale to $98,770 for highly experienced individuals.
How does the Maryland firefighter salary compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Maryland are considerably higher than the national average, coming in at 28.3% above it. This suggests strong earning potential for firefighters within the state.
How many firefighters are employed in Maryland?
- There are approximately 5,340 firefighters employed across the state of Maryland. This number reflects the demand for these essential services.