Firefighter Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 2K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$67,380
$32.39/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+17.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$56K – $77K
2K employed in Rhode Island
The median Firefighter salary in Rhode Island is $67,380 annually, which equates to approximately $32 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting a 17.1% advantage for firefighters in the state. Currently, there are an estimated 1,620 firefighters employed across Rhode Island.
Several factors influence the Firefighter salary in Rhode Island. These include years of experience, the specific city or town of employment, and any specialized certifications or training obtained by the individual. Salaries can range from $56,110 for entry-level positions to $76,620 for more experienced firefighters.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,110 |
| 25th percentile | $60,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $67,380 |
| 75th percentile | $75,860 |
| 90th percentile | $76,620 |
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $67,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $69,401 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $67,380 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $69,401 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,650 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $67,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $76,620 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Firefighter ($67,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in RI | $77,230 | +14.6% | $37.13/hr |
| Security Guard in RI | $36,940 | -45.2% | $17.76/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in RI | $65,120 | -3.4% | $31.31/hr |
| Writer and Author in RI | $70,190 | +4.2% | $33.75/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in RI | $64,070 | -4.9% | $30.80/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in RI | $71,300 | +5.8% | $34.28/hr |
| Title Examiner in RI | $63,300 | -6.1% | $30.43/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in RI | $63,110 | -6.3% | $30.34/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in RI | $62,510 | -7.2% | $30.05/hr |
| Art Director in RI | $72,550 | +7.7% | $34.88/hr |
| Social Worker in RI | $60,990 | -9.5% | $29.32/hr |
| Electrician in RI | $74,090 | +10.0% | $35.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighter salary in Rhode Island?
- The median Firefighter salary in Rhode Island is $67,380 per year. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How much do entry-level firefighters make in Rhode Island?
- Entry-level firefighters in Rhode Island typically earn around $56,110 annually. This represents the lower end of the salary range for the profession in the state.
What is the earning potential for experienced firefighters in Rhode Island?
- Experienced firefighters in Rhode Island can expect to earn up to $76,620 per year. This higher end of the salary range reflects accumulated experience and potentially advanced responsibilities.
Is the Firefighter salary in Rhode Island higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Firefighter salary in Rhode Island is notably higher than the national average. Rhode Island firefighters earn 17.1% more than the typical firefighter across the United States.