Firefighter vs Police Officer: Salary Comparison
Police Officers earn $14K more per year than Firefighters on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Firefighter | Police Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,500 | $66,020 |
| Entry Level | $33,000 | $42,000 |
| Senior Level | $80,000 | $95,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $25/hr | $32/hr |
| Education | High school diploma + training | High school diploma + police academy |
| Category | Public Safety | Public Safety |
Which Pays More?
On average, Police Officers earn $14K more per year than Firefighters, with a median salary of $66,020 versus $52,500. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior Firefighter in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $104,000 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Police Officer. Education and credentials also play a role: Police Officers typically require High school diploma + police academy, while Firefighters need High school diploma + training. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Police Officer has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Firefighter | Police Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $75,000 | $94,000 |
| California | $72,000 | $91,000 |
| New York | $67,000 | $85,000 |
| Alaska | $66,000 | $83,000 |
| Massachusetts | $66,000 | $83,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Firefighter or Police Officer pay more?
Police Officer pays more on average at $66,020/year, compared to $52,500/year for Firefighter — a difference of $13,520/year.
What is the salary difference between Firefighter and Police Officer?
The median salary gap is $13,520/year ($14K), with Police Officer earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Firefighter or Police Officer?
Firefighter grows from $33,000 to $80,000 (a $47,000 increase). Police Officer grows from $42,000 to $95,000 (a $53,000 increase). Police Officer shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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