While many go into firefighting in order to do good for others and to help protect their community, or because they enjoy the job, everyone considering the job will also need to consider the salary as well. For a full-time job, it must be able to support their needs and provide a comfortable life. Pay ranges can differ by location, experience, and job title, with salary increases coming with new promotions and for time spent on the job.
Recruit Salary
A new recruit will require more basic training and time to learn their way around the job. This begins with the lower pay ranges. For example, in Australia, in 2021, the average salary for a recruit that has a certificate in fire fighting starts at $35,000 and can go up as high as $75,000. However, as they gain experience and continue with ongoing training and expanding their skill, they will gain raises and improve their income until they are on the high end of the pay range for their position.
Qualified Station Firefighter
Once promoted to a qualified firefighter, it may bring increased responsibilities, and they will be working full-time hours at the station. The promotion to this position will include a raise, and the average salary for this job is $70,000 to $90,000. In addition, there are ongoing training and physical fitness requirements to perform the job, and these must be maintained throughout a firefighters career.
Leading/Senior Firefighter
Becoming a leading or senior firefighter comes with an increase in responsibility and may involve helping to train the new recruits and prepare them for the expectations of the job. The wage increase that comes with the position offers an average of $90,000 to $110,000. As an average salary for the leading or senior firefighter position in Australia.
Station Officer Ranks
After working up from a new recruit through the other positions, one can achieve the ranks of officers. It includes an inspector, district officer, instructor, district officer, superintendent, and chief superintendent. On average, these ranks can earn between $100,000 and $135,000, with some earning up to $150,000 in some areas. The officer ranks can be different within different stations and districts, which makes these averages a much wider range. With each ranking promotion, there will be increased responsibility, including training new officers, making the schedules, and doing the hiring and scheduling of other firefighters. Other titles can include titles from recruit to fourth class, third class, second class, then a first-class firefighter. These can have levels from first-class firefighter level 1 through 2. Then promoted to senior firefighter level 1 and then 2. Once at the officer level, it can include station officer level 1, 2, 2A. Then commander and assistant chief fire officer. Areas and districts can have different needs and therefore different titles. They fill only those jobs that are necessary. And the areas with a smaller station will have fewer ranking officers to share the workload.
