Public Service Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Firefighter Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median firefighter salary in Jersey City, NJ is $66,150 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$66,150
vs State Avg
+$6,718
vs National
+$14,470
Cost of Living
128%

Firefighter Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median firefighter salary of $66,150, which is $6,718 above the New Jersey state average of $59,432. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $66,150 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Jersey City spans from $37,888 at the 10th percentile to $118,784 at the 90th percentile — a $80,896 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,960, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,960. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level firefighter earns around $40,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,960
+$8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,560
+$14,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,960
+$22,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $37,888
25th Percentile $49,408
Median (50th) $66,150
75th Percentile $91,136
90th Percentile $118,784

Firefighter Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Edison, NJ
$59,432
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$57,882
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$55,814
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$54,264
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Firefighter in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open firefighter positions in Jersey City, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Firefighter make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $66,150 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $37,888 (10th percentile) to $118,784 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,150, a firefighter in Jersey City earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Jersey City's median firefighter salary of $66,150 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $59,432. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $66,150 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Jersey City? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Jersey City 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.