Public Service South Bend, IN Pop. 103,453

Firefighter Salary in South Bend, Indiana

The median firefighter salary in South Bend, IN is $42,894 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 7.8% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$42,894
vs State Avg
$-3,618
vs National
$-8,786
Cost of Living
83%

Firefighter Pay in South Bend: What to Expect (2026)

South Bend offers a median firefighter salary of $42,894, which is $3,618 below the Indiana state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, South Bend pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of South Bend's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $42,894 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes South Bend an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in South Bend spans from $24,568 at the 10th percentile to $77,024 at the 90th percentile — a $52,456 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,560, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,060. With a population of 103,453, South Bend is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in South Bend by Experience

In South Bend, an entry-level firefighter earns around $26,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,560
$-5,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,160
$-8,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,060
$-13,940 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Bend, IN

Percentile South Bend
10th Percentile $24,568
25th Percentile $32,038
Median (50th) $42,894
75th Percentile $59,096
90th Percentile $77,024

Firefighter Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$54,264
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$48,062
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$43,928
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$43,411
Pop. 117,429

How to Become a Firefighter in South Bend

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. South Bend 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 South Bend may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in South Bend

Browse open firefighter positions in South Bend, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in South Bend

How much does a Firefighter make in South Bend, IN? ▼
The median firefighter salary in South Bend, Indiana is $42,894 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $24,568 (10th percentile) to $77,024 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in South Bend? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,894, a firefighter in South Bend earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Bend compare to the Indiana state average for firefighter pay? ▼
South Bend's median firefighter salary of $42,894 is 7.8% below the Indiana state average of $46,512. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Bend, IN? ▼
South Bend has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $42,894 in South Bend has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in South Bend? ▼
Most firefighter positions in South Bend 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.