Firefighter Salary in Minnesota
Based on 6K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$38,110
$18.32/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
-33.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$28K – $70K
6K employed in Minnesota
The median Firefighter salary in Minnesota is $38,110 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, coming in 33.8% less. There are currently 5,810 firefighters employed across the state.
Several factors influence Firefighter salary in Minnesota. These include the specific city or municipality employing the firefighter, their years of experience, and any specialized training or certifications they hold. The salary range can vary significantly, from $27,510 for entry-level positions to $70,380 for more experienced professionals.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $27,510 |
| 25th percentile | $31,110 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $38,110 |
| 75th percentile | $59,350 |
| 90th percentile | $70,380 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,253 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,110 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,253 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $31,110 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $38,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,350 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $70,380 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Firefighter ($38,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in MN | $83,360 | +118.7% | $40.08/hr |
| Security Guard in MN | $43,380 | +13.8% | $20.86/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MN | $38,370 | +0.7% | $18.45/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in MN | $38,590 | +1.3% | $18.55/hr |
| Receptionist in MN | $37,510 | -1.6% | $18.03/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MN | $37,120 | -2.6% | $17.85/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MN | $36,370 | -4.6% | $17.49/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in MN | $39,850 | +4.6% | $19.16/hr |
| Cashier in MN | $34,620 | -9.2% | $16.64/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MN | $31,370 | -17.7% | $15.08/hr |
| Tutor in MN | $45,660 | +19.8% | $21.95/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in MN | $46,410 | +21.8% | $22.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in Minnesota?
- The median Firefighter salary in Minnesota is $38,110 annually, or about $18 per hour. This is considerably lower than the national average.
What is the salary range for firefighters in Minnesota?
- In Minnesota, the salary for a firefighter typically falls between $27,510 and $70,380 per year. This broad range reflects differences in experience and location.
How does the firefighter salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Minnesota are 33.8% lower than the national average. The median Minnesota salary is $38,110, while the national median is higher.
How many firefighters are employed in Minnesota?
- There are approximately 5,810 firefighters currently employed in Minnesota. This number reflects the demand for fire services across the state.