Public Service Florida (FL) Rank #17 of 50

Firefighter Salary in Florida

The median firefighter salary in Florida is $50,646 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $51,680.

Median Salary
$50,646
vs National
$-1,034
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Firefighter Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for firefighter compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for firefighter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $50,646 per year, firefighters in Florida earn $1,034 less than the national median of $51,680.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning firefighter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: firefighters at the 10th percentile earn $29,008, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,944 — a $61,936 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $60,982.

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 Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level firefighter earns around $31,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,360 per year. The cost of living index in Florida is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,360
$-640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,960
$-1,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $50,646? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Florida

Percentile FL Salary
10th Percentile $29,008
25th Percentile $37,828
Median (50th) $50,646
75th Percentile $69,776
90th Percentile $90,944

Firefighter Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for firefighters in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Firefighter in Florida

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook in Florida

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 330,800 other Firefighters.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Firefighter Roles in Florida?

Get matched with recruiters hiring firefighters in Florida at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Florida

How much does a Firefighter make in Florida? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Florida is $50,646 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $29,008 (10th percentile) to $90,944 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,646, a firefighter in Florida earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for firefighters? ▼
Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for firefighter pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level firefighters earn $31,360, while senior professionals earn $80,360.
How does Florida compare to other states for firefighter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for firefighters is Hawaii at $87,856. Florida's median of $50,646 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($52,197) and Vermont ($52,197).
What is the entry-level firefighter salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level firefighter in Florida earns approximately $31,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,360.
What city in Florida pays firefighters the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for firefighters, with a median salary of $60,982. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.