If you're considering a career in firefighting in Illinois, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much do firefighters actually make in Illinois? Is it enough to support a family? And how does it compare to what firefighters earn in other states?
The average firefighter salary in Illinois is $76,530 per year, which is above the national average of $63,630. Illinois ranks #7 out of 50 states for firefighter pay. Entry-level firefighters can expect to earn around $38,900, while the most experienced firefighters earn up to $106,060 annually.
We pulled this data directly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025 data, the most recent available) so you can see exactly what firefighters are earning in Illinois right now. Let's break it all down.
How Much Do Firefighters Make in Illinois?
Here are the key numbers for firefighters in Illinois, straight from the BLS:
| Metric | Illinois | National |
|---|---|---|
| Average (mean) annual salary | $76,530 | $63,630 |
| Median annual salary | $78,380 | $59,280 |
| Entry level (10th percentile) | $38,900 | $34,910 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $106,060 | $101,040 |
| Firefighters employed | 18,400 | — |
The median is often the more useful number. Half of Illinois firefighters earn more than $78,380 and half earn less. The average gets pulled around by a small number of very high earners in the biggest departments.
Firefighter Salary Breakdown in Illinois
- Entry level: Around $38,900. This is what a probationary firefighter at a smaller or rural department can expect in year one.
- Mid career: Around $78,380. Most firefighters with five to ten years on the job land in this range.
- Experienced / senior: Up to $106,060 and beyond. Top-step firefighters, engineers, and lieutenants at the largest departments, especially with overtime and paramedic pay, sit here.
Chicago Fire Department, one of the largest in the country with roughly 4,500 sworn members, sets the pay ceiling for the state. Suburban departments in Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties often pay close to Chicago rates, while downstate departments in cities like Springfield, Peoria, and Champaign pay noticeably less.
Illinois vs. National Average
At $76,530, the average Illinois firefighter earns about $12,900 (20%) more than the national average of $63,630. That puts Illinois at #7 of 50 states. For comparison, California leads the country at $95,090 and the lowest-paying states sit in the low $36,000s.
Cost of living is the catch. Chicago-area housing and Illinois property taxes eat into the higher salary, so a firefighter in Peoria making $65,000 may have more spending power than one in the suburbs making $85,000.
Factors That Affect Firefighter Pay in Illinois
- Department size and location. Big-city departments pay the most. The largest employers are in Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Rockford, Springfield, Peoria.
- Union representation. Illinois has one of the highest union membership rates for firefighters in the country, and IAFF locals negotiate most municipal contracts. That is a big part of why Illinois pay is well above the national average.
- Certifications. Paramedic certification is the single biggest pay bump for most firefighters, often adding $5,000 to $15,000 a year. Hazmat, technical rescue, and driver/operator certifications add more.
- Overtime. Most departments run 24-hour shifts, and overtime, holiday pay, and call-back pay can add 10% to 30% on top of base salary.
- Rank. Promotion to engineer, lieutenant, captain, and chief officer each brings a meaningful raise. Chief officers in Illinois's large departments earn well into six figures.
How to Become a Firefighter in Illinois
The basic path is the same everywhere: meet the age and education requirements, pass a written test and the CPAT physical ability test, clear a background check and medical exam, and complete a fire academy. Many Illinois departments strongly prefer or require EMT certification, and paramedic certification makes you a much stronger candidate.
We have a full step-by-step guide: How to Become a Firefighter in Illinois.
Is Being a Firefighter in Illinois Worth It?
Pay is only part of the picture. Firefighters in Illinois typically get a defined-benefit pension, employer-paid health insurance, and a schedule that leaves plenty of days off for family or a second job. Against that you have to weigh the physical toll, the exposure to trauma, and the long-term health risks that come with the job. For most people who want this career, the answer is still yes. Just go in with realistic numbers.
Free Firefighter Career Tools
- Firefighter Salary Calculator — See what firefighters earn in your state
- Free Resume Review Guide — Download our free firefighter resume review checklist
- Eligibility Checker — Find out if you meet the requirements to become a firefighter
- Interview Prep Quiz — Test your firefighter interview knowledge with our free quiz
- CPAT Training Timer — Practice all 8 CPAT events with our free countdown timer
Want to see a personalized estimate? Use our free Firefighter Salary Calculator to see what you could earn based on your state, experience, and rank.
