What is the normal starting pay for a firefighter?
Asked by fireboy
I am currently a volunteer firefighter about to go to college and get my associate degree in fire science. What is the normal starting pay and/or benefits? I am currently a volunteer firefighter in North Carolina. I am about to go to college and get an associates degree in fire science. What is the normal starting pay and/or benefits?

Best Answer:
Earnings [About this section] Back to Top Back to Top Median hourly earnings of fire fighters were $18.43 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $13.65 and $24.14. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.71, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $29.21. Median hourly earnings were $18.78 in local government, $17.34 in the Federal Government, and $14.94 in State government. Median annual earnings of first-line supervisors/managers of fire fighting and prevention workers were $58,920 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,880 and $72,600. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,800, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $90,860. First-line supervisors/managers of fire fighting and prevention workers employed in local government earned about $60,800 a year. Median annual earnings of fire inspectors and investigators were $46,340 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,030 and $58,260 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,490. Fire inspectors and investigators employed in local government earned about $48,020 a year. According to the International City-County Management Association, average salaries in 2004 for sworn full-time positions were as follows: Minimum annual base salary Maximum annual base salary Fire chief $68,701 $89,928 Deputy chief 63,899 79,803 Assistant fire chief 57,860 73,713 Battalion chief 58,338 73,487 Fire captain 49,108 59,374 Fire lietenant 44,963 53,179 Fire prevention/code inspector 43,297 54,712 Engineer 41,294 52,461 Fire fighters who average more than a certain number of hours a week are required to be paid overtime. The hours threshold is determined by the department during the fire fighter’s work period, which ranges from 7 to 28 days. Fire fighters often earn overtime for working extra shifts to maintain minimum staffing levels or for special emergencies. Fire fighters receive benefits that usually include medical and liability insurance, vacation and sick leave, and some paid holidays. Almost all fire departments provide protective clothing (helmets, boots, and coats) and breathing apparatus, and many also provide dress uniforms. Fire fighters generally are covered by pension plans, often providing retirement at half pay after 25 years of service or if the individual is disabled in the line of duty.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos158.htm
Answered by Jay

Depends upon the municipality for which the firefighter works.
Answered by otbpoc

I don't know where you live but in Toronto as a 4th class firefighter you start around 46k a year, first class is 71k and it takes 3 years to make 1st class,Good luck
Answered by craigmac4ca