Firefighter Salary in Alabama (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Firefighters in Alabama, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Alabama Median
$47,600
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.88
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-20% vs US median
US median $59,280
State Rank
#35 of 50
7,260 employed here

How much does a Firefighter make in Alabama?

A Firefighter working in Alabama earns a median salary of $47,600 per year, or about $22.88 per hour. That is 20% below the national median of $59,280 for this occupation.

Within Alabama, entry-level pay starts around $29,770 while the top 10% make $76,190 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,150 and $59,520 a year.

Firefighter salary range in Alabama

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$29,770$14.31
25th percentile (early career)$37,150$17.86
50th percentile (median)$47,600$22.88
75th percentile (experienced)$59,520$28.62
90th percentile (top earners)$76,190$36.63

How Alabama compares

Alabama ranks 35th out of 50 states and territories for Firefighter pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New York$100,960
2Washington$94,520
3California$85,120
4New Jersey$84,130
5Illinois$78,380

Working as a Firefighter in Alabama

Nationally, about 346,000 people work as Firefighters in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Alabama pay ($47,600) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Alabama?
The median Firefighter salary in Alabama is $47,600 per year, or about $22.88 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $29,770 at the entry level to $76,190 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Alabama pay compare to the national average?
Alabama pays Firefighters about 20% less than the national median of $59,280. Alabama ranks 35th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Alabama a good state for Firefighters?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $47,600 a year. About 7,260 Firefighters are employed in Alabama. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Alabama?
The highest-paying occupations in Alabama include Cardiologist ($519,480), Dermatologist ($394,550), Anesthesiologist ($392,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Firefighter salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.