Public Service Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

Firefighter Salary in Arizona

The median firefighter salary in Arizona is $50,130 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $51,680.

Median Salary
$50,130
vs National
$-1,550
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Firefighter Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for firefighter compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for firefighter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $50,130 per year, firefighters in Arizona earn $1,550 less than the national median of $51,680.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning firefighter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: firefighters at the 10th percentile earn $28,712, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,016 — a $61,304 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $57,882.

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for firefighters across the country.

Firefighter Salary in Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level firefighter earns around $31,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,540 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,040
$-960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,440
$-1,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,540
$-2,460 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $28,712
25th Percentile $37,442
Median (50th) $50,130
75th Percentile $69,064
90th Percentile $90,016

Firefighter Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for firefighters in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Firefighter in Arizona

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Arizona has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook in Arizona

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arizona's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Arizona

How much does a Firefighter make in Arizona? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Arizona is $50,130 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $28,712 (10th percentile) to $90,016 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,130, a firefighter in Arizona earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for firefighters? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for firefighter pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level firefighters earn $31,040, while senior professionals earn $79,540.
How does Arizona compare to other states for firefighter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for firefighters is Hawaii at $87,856. Arizona's median of $50,130 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($50,646) and Maine ($50,646).
What is the entry-level firefighter salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level firefighter in Arizona earns approximately $31,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,540.
What city in Arizona pays firefighters the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for firefighters, with a median salary of $57,882. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.