Public Service Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Firefighter Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median firefighter salary in Portland, OR is $60,982 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$60,982
vs State Avg
+$4,134
vs National
+$9,302
Cost of Living
118%

Firefighter Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median firefighter salary of $60,982, which is $4,134 above the Oregon state average of $56,848. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $60,982 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Portland spans from $34,928 at the 10th percentile to $109,504 at the 90th percentile — a $74,576 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,760, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,760. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level firefighter earns around $37,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,760
+$5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,360
+$9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,760
+$14,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $34,928
25th Percentile $45,548
Median (50th) $60,982
75th Percentile $84,016
90th Percentile $109,504

Firefighter Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$57,882
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$55,814
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$54,264
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$52,714
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Firefighter in Portland

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Portland

Browse open firefighter positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Portland

How much does a Firefighter make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Portland, Oregon is $60,982 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $34,928 (10th percentile) to $109,504 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,982, a firefighter in Portland earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Portland's median firefighter salary of $60,982 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $56,848. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $60,982 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Portland? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Portland 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.