Public Service Idaho (ID) Rank #26 of 50

Firefighter Salary in Idaho

The median firefighter salary in Idaho is $48,579 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $51,680.

Median Salary
$48,579
vs National
$-3,101
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Firefighter Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for firefighter compensation. Firefighter salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $48,579 per year, firefighters in Idaho earn $3,101 less than the national median of $51,680.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $48,579 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $51,680 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: firefighters at the 10th percentile earn $27,824, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,232 — a $59,408 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $51,680.

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 Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level firefighter earns around $30,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,080 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,880
$-3,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,080
$-4,920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $27,824
25th Percentile $36,284
Median (50th) $48,579
75th Percentile $66,928
90th Percentile $87,232

Firefighter Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for firefighters in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Firefighter in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Idaho

How much does a Firefighter make in Idaho? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Idaho is $48,579 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $27,824 (10th percentile) to $87,232 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,579, a firefighter in Idaho earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for firefighters? ▼
Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for firefighter pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level firefighters earn $30,080, while senior professionals earn $77,080.
How does Idaho compare to other states for firefighter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for firefighters is Hawaii at $87,856. Idaho's median of $48,579 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($49,096) and Montana ($49,096).
What is the entry-level firefighter salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level firefighter in Idaho earns approximately $30,080 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,080.
What city in Idaho pays firefighters the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for firefighters, with a median salary of $51,680. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.