Public Service Newark, NJ Pop. 311,549

Firefighter Salary in Newark, New Jersey

The median firefighter salary in Newark, NJ is $57,882 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 2.6% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$57,882
vs State Avg
$-1,550
vs National
+$6,202
Cost of Living
112%

Firefighter Pay in Newark: What to Expect (2026)

Newark offers a median firefighter salary of $57,882, which is $1,550 below the New Jersey state average of $59,432. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $57,882 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Newark spans from $33,152 at the 10th percentile to $103,936 at the 90th percentile — a $70,784 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,840, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,840. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level firefighter earns around $35,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,840
+$3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,240
+$6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,840
+$9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Newark, NJ

Percentile Newark
10th Percentile $33,152
25th Percentile $43,232
Median (50th) $57,882
75th Percentile $79,744
90th Percentile $103,936

Firefighter Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$66,150
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$59,432
Pop. 107,588
Elizabeth, NJ
$55,814
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$54,264
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Firefighter in Newark

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Newark

Browse open firefighter positions in Newark, NJ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Newark

How much does a Firefighter make in Newark, NJ? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Newark, New Jersey is $57,882 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $33,152 (10th percentile) to $103,936 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Newark? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,882, a firefighter in Newark earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Newark's median firefighter salary of $57,882 is 2.6% below the New Jersey state average of $59,432. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼
Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $57,882 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Newark? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Newark 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.