Public Service Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Firefighter Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median firefighter salary in Milwaukee, WI is $47,546 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$47,546
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,134
Cost of Living
92%

Firefighter Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median firefighter salary of $47,546, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $47,546. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $27,232 at the 10th percentile to $85,376 at the 90th percentile — a $58,144 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,440, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level firefighter earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $27,232
25th Percentile $35,512
Median (50th) $47,546
75th Percentile $65,504
90th Percentile $85,376

Firefighter Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$51,680
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$46,512
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$45,478
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$44,445
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Firefighter in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open firefighter positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Firefighter make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $47,546 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $27,232 (10th percentile) to $85,376 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,546, a firefighter in Milwaukee earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median firefighter salary of $47,546 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $47,546. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $47,546 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Milwaukee? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Milwaukee 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.