Firefighter Salary in New York
Based on 13K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$100,960
$48.54/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+75.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$56K – $106K
13K employed in New York
The median Firefighter salary in New York is an impressive $100,960 per year, which translates to approximately $49 per hour. This figure significantly surpasses the national average, indicating a strong earning potential for firefighters in the state.
Several factors influence a firefighter's income in New York. These include years of experience, the specific fire department they serve, overtime hours worked, and the cost of living in their particular city or town. Specialized certifications and roles can also lead to higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,390 |
| 25th percentile | $65,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,960 |
| 75th percentile | $106,430 |
| 90th percentile | $106,440 |
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 York 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 York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,989 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,960 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,989 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,430 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,440 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Firefighter ($100,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in NY | $92,790 | -8.1% | $44.61/hr |
| Security Guard in NY | $44,240 | -56.2% | $21.27/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NY | $101,080 | +0.1% | $48.60/hr |
| Physical Therapist in NY | $100,660 | -0.3% | $48.39/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in NY | $101,270 | +0.3% | $48.69/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in NY | $100,610 | -0.3% | $48.37/hr |
| Editor in NY | $101,480 | +0.5% | $48.79/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in NY | $102,440 | +1.5% | $49.25/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in NY | $99,390 | -1.6% | $47.78/hr |
| Accountant in NY | $102,640 | +1.7% | $49.35/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in NY | $102,640 | +1.7% | $49.35/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in NY | $102,990 | +2.0% | $49.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighter salary in New York?
- The median Firefighter salary in New York is $100,960 per year. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for a firefighter in New York?
- In New York, the salary range for firefighters generally falls between $56,390 and $106,440 annually. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of this spectrum.
How much more do firefighters in New York earn compared to the national average?
- Firefighters in New York earn approximately 75.4% more than the national average. This substantial difference highlights the competitive compensation for the profession within the state.
How many firefighters are employed in New York?
- There are an estimated 12,950 firefighters employed across New York. This large number indicates a consistent demand for these essential services throughout the state.