Public Service Fort Lauderdale, FL Pop. 182,760

Firefighter Salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The median firefighter salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $59,432 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 17.3% above the Florida state average.

City Median
$59,432
vs State Avg
+$8,786
vs National
+$7,752
Cost of Living
115%

Firefighter Pay in Fort Lauderdale: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Lauderdale offers a median firefighter salary of $59,432, which is $8,786 above the Florida state average of $50,646. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Fort Lauderdale pays above average for this role.

However, Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $59,432 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fort Lauderdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Fort Lauderdale spans from $34,040 at the 10th percentile to $106,720 at the 90th percentile — a $72,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,300. With a population of 182,760, Fort Lauderdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Fort Lauderdale by Experience

In Fort Lauderdale, an entry-level firefighter earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
+$7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,300
+$12,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Percentile Fort Lauderdale
10th Percentile $34,040
25th Percentile $44,390
Median (50th) $59,432
75th Percentile $81,880
90th Percentile $106,720

Firefighter Salary in Other Florida Cities

Miami, FL
$60,982
Pop. 442,241
Orlando, FL
$52,714
Pop. 307,573
Tampa, FL
$51,680
Pop. 384,959
Jacksonville, FL
$49,096
Pop. 949,611

How to Become a Firefighter in Fort Lauderdale

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Lauderdale may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Fort Lauderdale

Browse open firefighter positions in Fort Lauderdale, FL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Fort Lauderdale

How much does a Firefighter make in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is $59,432 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $34,040 (10th percentile) to $106,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Fort Lauderdale? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,432, a firefighter in Fort Lauderdale earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Lauderdale compare to the Florida state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Fort Lauderdale's median firefighter salary of $59,432 is 17.3% above the Florida state average of $50,646. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼
Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $59,432 in Fort Lauderdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Fort Lauderdale? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Fort Lauderdale require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.