Firefighter Salary in Michigan
Based on 7K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$54,640
$26.27/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
-5.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $79K
7K employed in Michigan
The median Firefighter salary in Michigan is $54,640 per year, which equates to approximately $26 per hour. This figure is 5.1% lower than the national average for firefighter salaries. In Michigan, there are an estimated 6,610 individuals employed in this vital profession.
Several factors can influence a Firefighter salary in Michigan. These include years of experience, the specific fire department an individual works for, their level of education or certifications, and the cost of living in the particular city or region within the state. Overtime and hazard pay can also contribute to overall earnings.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,190 |
| 25th percentile | $43,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $54,640 |
| 75th percentile | $67,440 |
| 90th percentile | $78,550 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,279 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,640 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,279 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $54,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,550 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Firefighter ($54,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in MI | $73,730 | +34.9% | $35.45/hr |
| Security Guard in MI | $37,080 | -32.1% | $17.83/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in MI | $54,120 | -1.0% | $26.02/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MI | $56,240 | +2.9% | $27.04/hr |
| Truck Driver in MI | $57,180 | +4.6% | $27.49/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MI | $57,350 | +5.0% | $27.57/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in MI | $57,880 | +5.9% | $27.83/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in MI | $58,300 | +6.7% | $28.03/hr |
| Interior Designer in MI | $59,340 | +8.6% | $28.53/hr |
| School Counselor in MI | $59,440 | +8.8% | $28.58/hr |
| Construction Laborer in MI | $49,590 | -9.2% | $23.84/hr |
| Title Examiner in MI | $49,540 | -9.3% | $23.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a firefighter in Michigan?
- The median Firefighter salary in Michigan is $54,640 per year. This means half of firefighters in the state earn less than this amount, while the other half earn more.
What is the hourly rate for a Michigan firefighter?
- Based on the median annual salary of $54,640, the approximate hourly rate for a Firefighter in Michigan is $26. This calculation assumes a standard 40-hour work week.
What is the salary range for firefighters in Michigan?
- Firefighter salaries in Michigan typically range from $37,190 for entry-level positions to $78,550 for more experienced roles. This wide range reflects differences in responsibilities and seniority.
How does a firefighter's salary in Michigan compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Michigan are generally lower than the national average. The median salary in Michigan is 5.1% less than the national average, indicating a difference of several thousand dollars annually.