Public Service Baltimore, MD Pop. 585,708

Firefighter Salary in Baltimore, Maryland

The median firefighter salary in Baltimore, MD is $55,814 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 1.8% below the Maryland state average.

City Median
$55,814
vs State Avg
$-1,034
vs National
+$4,134
Cost of Living
108%

Firefighter Pay in Baltimore: What to Expect (2026)

Baltimore offers a median firefighter salary of $55,814, which is $1,034 below the Maryland state average of $56,848. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Baltimore pays above average for this role.

Baltimore's cost of living is 108% 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 Baltimore spans from $31,968 at the 10th percentile to $100,224 at the 90th percentile — a $68,256 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,560, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,560. As a major metro area with a population of 585,708, Baltimore typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Baltimore by Experience

In Baltimore, an entry-level firefighter earns around $34,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,560
+$2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,160
+$4,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,560
+$6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baltimore, MD

Percentile Baltimore
10th Percentile $31,968
25th Percentile $41,688
Median (50th) $55,814
75th Percentile $76,896
90th Percentile $100,224

Firefighter Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$63,050
Pop. 81,015
Columbia, MD
$60,982
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$59,432
Pop. 90,676
Waldorf, MD
$54,264
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Firefighter in Baltimore

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Baltimore

Browse open firefighter positions in Baltimore, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Baltimore

How much does a Firefighter make in Baltimore, MD? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Baltimore, Maryland is $55,814 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $31,968 (10th percentile) to $100,224 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Baltimore? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,814, a firefighter in Baltimore earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Baltimore's median firefighter salary of $55,814 is 1.8% below the Maryland state average of $56,848. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD? ▼
Baltimore has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $55,814 in Baltimore has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Baltimore? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Baltimore 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.