Public Service Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Firefighter Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median firefighter salary in Detroit, MI is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
$-1,034
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $1,034 below the Michigan state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Detroit spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $26,048
25th Percentile $33,968
Median (50th) $45,478
75th Percentile $62,656
90th Percentile $81,664

Firefighter Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$54,264
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$46,512
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$45,478
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$44,445
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Firefighter in Detroit

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Detroit

Browse open firefighter positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Detroit

How much does a Firefighter make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Detroit, Michigan is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Detroit earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Detroit's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $46,512. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Detroit? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Detroit 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.