Public Service Racine, WI Pop. 77,816

Firefighter Salary in Racine, Wisconsin

The median firefighter salary in Racine, WI is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$44,445
vs State Avg
$-3,101
vs National
$-7,235
Cost of Living
86%

Firefighter Pay in Racine: What to Expect (2026)

Racine offers a median firefighter salary of $44,445, which is $3,101 below the Wisconsin state average of $47,546. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Racine pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Racine's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,445 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Racine an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Racine spans from $25,456 at the 10th percentile to $79,808 at the 90th percentile — a $54,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. Racine is a smaller market (pop. 77,816), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Racine by Experience

In Racine, an entry-level firefighter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Racine, WI

Percentile Racine
10th Percentile $25,456
25th Percentile $33,196
Median (50th) $44,445
75th Percentile $61,232
90th Percentile $79,808

Firefighter Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$51,680
Pop. 269,840
Milwaukee, WI
$47,546
Pop. 577,222
Kenosha, WI
$46,512
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$45,478
Pop. 107,395

How to Become a Firefighter in Racine

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Racine

Browse open firefighter positions in Racine, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Racine

How much does a Firefighter make in Racine, WI? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Racine, Wisconsin is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $25,456 (10th percentile) to $79,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Racine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,445, a firefighter in Racine earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Racine compare to the Wisconsin state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Racine's median firefighter salary of $44,445 is 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,546. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Racine, WI? ▼
Racine has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $44,445 in Racine has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Racine? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Racine 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.