Firefighter Salary in New Jersey
Based on 8K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$84,130
$40.45/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+46.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $124K
8K employed in New Jersey
The median Firefighter salary in New Jersey is $84,130 annually, which equates to approximately $40 per hour. This figure significantly outpaces the national average by 46.2%, indicating strong earning potential for fire service professionals in the Garden State. With a total of 7,500 employed, the demand for these essential workers remains consistent.
Several factors influence the Firefighter salary in New Jersey. These include years of experience, specific department location within the state, and the size and budget of the fire department. Entry-level positions may start around $47,920, while highly experienced firefighters in top-tier departments can earn up to $123,940 per year.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,920 |
| 25th percentile | $61,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,130 |
| 75th percentile | $106,330 |
| 90th percentile | $123,940 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,654 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,130 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,654 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,940 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Firefighter ($84,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in NJ | $92,610 | +10.1% | $44.52/hr |
| Security Guard in NJ | $38,880 | -53.8% | $18.69/hr |
| Chemist in NJ | $84,450 | +0.4% | $40.60/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in NJ | $84,450 | +0.4% | $40.60/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in NJ | $82,850 | -1.5% | $39.83/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in NJ | $82,420 | -2.0% | $39.63/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NJ | $82,200 | -2.3% | $39.52/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NJ | $86,280 | +2.6% | $41.48/hr |
| Editor in NJ | $81,680 | -2.9% | $39.27/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in NJ | $81,640 | -3.0% | $39.25/hr |
| Writer and Author in NJ | $81,590 | -3.0% | $39.23/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in NJ | $87,440 | +3.9% | $42.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in New Jersey?
- The median Firefighter salary in New Jersey is $84,130 per year. 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 New Jersey?
- The salary range for Firefighters in New Jersey typically falls between $47,920 for entry-level positions and $123,940 for those with extensive experience and in higher-paying departments.
How does the average firefighter salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
- Firefighters in New Jersey earn significantly more than the national average, with their median salary being 46.2% higher. This indicates a strong compensation landscape for the profession in the state.
Is the hourly rate for a New Jersey firefighter usually around $40?
- Yes, the median hourly rate for a Firefighter in New Jersey is approximately $40. This is derived from the annual median salary of $84,130.