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Firefighters Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Firefighters make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$78,380
Median Annual Salary
▼ -0.9% vs 2024
$76,530
Mean Salary
$78,380
Median Salary
$37.68
Hourly Rate
18,400 people work as Firefighters in Illinois

Firefighters salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Firefighters salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Firefighters in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $38,900$38,90025th25% earn less than $47,910$47,910MedianHalf earn more than $78,380$78,38075th75% earn less than $103,530$103,53090thTop 10% earn more than $106,060$106,060

Firefighters in Illinois earn a median salary of $78,380 per year ($6,531/month). This is 36.2% above the national average of $57,551. Illinois ranks #5 out of 50 states for Firefighters pay. Approximately 18,400 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries decreased by 0.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Firefighters

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking
3.88
Coordination
3.62
Service Orientation
3.62
Judgment and Decision Making
3.62
Active Listening
3.5

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.53
Customer and Personal Service
4.19
Education and Training
4.13
Building and Construction
4.03
English Language
3.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (35.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Firefighters in Illinois

Salaries for Firefighters in Illinois range from $38,900 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $106,060 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,910 and $103,530.

Median $78,380
P10: $38,900 P25: $47,910 P75: $103,530 P90: $106,060
10th
$38,900
25th
$47,910
Median
$78,380
75th
$103,530
90th
$106,060
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $38,900 $18.70 $3,241
25th Percentile $47,910 $23.03 $3,992
Median (50th) $78,380 $37.68 $6,531
75th Percentile $103,530 $49.77 $8,627
90th Percentile (Experienced) $106,060 $50.99 $8,838

Note: The mean (average) salary of $76,530 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#5
Illinois ranks #5 of 50 states
$57,551
National avg. for Firefighters
+36.2%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Firefighters salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Firefighters take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Firefighters Data in Illinois

Firefighters Salary by State

Compare Firefighters pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Firefighters make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Illinois is $78,380 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $76,530.
What is the salary range for a Firefighters in Illinois?
Salaries for Firefighters in Illinois range from $38,900 at the 10th percentile to $106,060 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,910 and $103,530.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in Illinois?
Entry-level Firefighters positions in Illinois typically start around $38,900 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $47,910 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Firefighters in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 18,400 people are employed as Firefighters in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Firefighters in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Firefighters in Illinois is approximately $37.68 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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