Public Service Maine (ME) Rank #18 of 50

Firefighter Salary in Maine

The median firefighter salary in Maine is $50,646 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $51,680.

Median Salary
$50,646
vs National
$-1,034
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Firefighter Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #18 out of 50 states for firefighter compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for firefighter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $50,646 per year, firefighters in Maine earn $1,034 less than the national median of $51,680.

Maine's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning firefighter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Maine is significant: firefighters at the 10th percentile earn $29,008, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,944 — a $61,936 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maine for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $55,814.

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 Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level firefighter earns around $31,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,360 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,360
$-640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,960
$-1,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $29,008
25th Percentile $37,828
Median (50th) $50,646
75th Percentile $69,776
90th Percentile $90,944

Firefighter Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for firefighters in Maine include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Firefighter in Maine

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook in Maine

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Maine

How much does a Firefighter make in Maine? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Maine is $50,646 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $29,008 (10th percentile) to $90,944 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,646, a firefighter in Maine earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for firefighters? ▼
Maine ranks #18 out of 50 states for firefighter pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level firefighters earn $31,360, while senior professionals earn $80,360.
How does Maine compare to other states for firefighter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for firefighters is Hawaii at $87,856. Maine's median of $50,646 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Vermont ($52,197) and Florida ($50,646).
What is the entry-level firefighter salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level firefighter in Maine earns approximately $31,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,360.
What city in Maine pays firefighters the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for firefighters, with a median salary of $55,814. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.