Firefighter Salary in Nebraska
Based on 1K+ workers in Nebraska
Median Annual Salary (NE)
$61,040
$29.35/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+6.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $69K
1K employed in Nebraska
The median Firefighter salary in Nebraska is $61,040 annually, which translates to approximately $29 per hour. This figure indicates a competitive earning potential for those in this vital profession within the state. Compared to the national average, Nebraska firefighters earn about 6.1% more.
Several factors influence the Firefighter salary in Nebraska. These include years of experience, the specific fire department or municipality, additional certifications, and overtime hours worked. The salary range for firefighters in Nebraska typically falls between $46,660 and $69,460 per year, reflecting these variations.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Nebraska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,660 |
| 25th percentile | $51,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,040 |
| 75th percentile | $61,040 |
| 90th percentile | $69,460 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Nebraska) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,871 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Nebraska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,040 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,871 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,040 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $69,460 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Nebraska
How other high-demand occupations in Nebraska compare to Firefighter ($61,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in NE | $74,620 | +22.2% | $35.88/hr |
| Security Guard in NE | $39,840 | -34.7% | $19.15/hr |
| Plumber in NE | $60,970 | -0.1% | $29.31/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in NE | $60,830 | -0.3% | $29.25/hr |
| Electrician in NE | $60,820 | -0.4% | $29.24/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in NE | $61,590 | +0.9% | $29.61/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in NE | $61,610 | +0.9% | $29.62/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in NE | $61,780 | +1.2% | $29.70/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in NE | $61,930 | +1.5% | $29.77/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in NE | $60,000 | -1.7% | $28.85/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in NE | $62,200 | +1.9% | $29.90/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in NE | $62,380 | +2.2% | $29.99/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in Nebraska?
- The median Firefighter salary in Nebraska is $61,040 per year. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The hourly rate averages around $29.
What is the typical salary range for firefighters in Nebraska?
- Firefighters in Nebraska can expect to earn within a range of $46,660 to $69,460 annually. This broad spectrum accounts for differences in experience, department size, and location within the state.
How does the Nebraska firefighter salary compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Nebraska are generally higher than the national average, by approximately 6.1%. This suggests that the state offers a more lucrative environment for this profession.
How many firefighters are employed in Nebraska?
- There are approximately 1,070 firefighters employed across Nebraska. This number reflects the demand for these essential services throughout the state.