Public Service Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Firefighter Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median firefighter salary in Indianapolis, IN is $48,062 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$48,062
vs State Avg
+$1,550
vs National
$-3,618
Cost of Living
93%

Firefighter Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median firefighter salary of $48,062, which is $1,550 above the Indiana state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for firefighters in Indianapolis spans from $27,528 at the 10th percentile to $86,304 at the 90th percentile — a $58,776 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,760, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,260. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level firefighter earns around $29,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,260 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,760
$-2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,360
$-3,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $27,528
25th Percentile $35,898
Median (50th) $48,062
75th Percentile $66,216
90th Percentile $86,304

Firefighter Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$54,264
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$43,928
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$43,411
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$42,894
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Firefighter in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open firefighter positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Firefighter make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $48,062 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $27,528 (10th percentile) to $86,304 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,062, a firefighter in Indianapolis earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median firefighter salary of $48,062 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $46,512. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $48,062 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Indianapolis? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Indianapolis 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.