Public Service Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Firefighter Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median firefighter salary in Chicago, IL is $55,298 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$55,298
vs State Avg
+$6,202
vs National
+$3,618
Cost of Living
107%

Firefighter Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level firefighter earns around $34,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,740 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,240
+$2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,640
+$3,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,740
+$5,740 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $31,672
25th Percentile $41,302
Median (50th) $55,298
75th Percentile $76,184
90th Percentile $99,296

Firefighter Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$55,814
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$49,096
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$43,928
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$42,378
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Firefighter in Chicago

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Chicago

Browse open firefighter positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Chicago

How much does a Firefighter make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Chicago, Illinois is $55,298 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $31,672 (10th percentile) to $99,296 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,298, a firefighter in Chicago earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Chicago's median firefighter salary of $55,298 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $49,096. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $55,298 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Chicago? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Chicago 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.