Firefighter Salary in Illinois

Firefighters in Illinois earn an average of $60,087 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.2% higher than the national average.

Average Salary

$60,087

per year

Hourly Rate

$28.89

per hour

vs National

+5.2%

$57,120 national

Salary Range

$38,047

to $87,893

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$60,087

Cost of Living Index

95

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$63,249

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Firefighter's salary of $60,087 has the purchasing power of $63,249 in an average-cost area.

Firefighter Salary by City in Illinois

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Chicago, IL$60,087$28.89/hr$38,047$87,893376

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Illinois vs National Average

Firefighter Salary Comparison

Illinois Average$60,087
National Average$57,120
Difference+$2,967 (+5.2%)

Employment in Illinois

There are approximately 376 Firefighters employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.

Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology

State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate

Firefighter Salary Range in Illinois

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$38,047

Starting salary for new Firefighters

Median (50th Percentile)

$60,087

Mid-career Firefighter salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$87,893

Top earners in the field

Firefighter Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Firefighter salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Illinois?

The average Firefighter salary in Illinois is $60,087 per year ($28.89/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.2% above the national average of $57,120.

What is the highest paying city for Firefighters in Illinois?

Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Firefighters in Illinois, with a median salary of $60,087 per year.

What is the salary range for Firefighters in Illinois?

Firefighter salaries in Illinois range from $38,047 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $87,893 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $60,087 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Illinois. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.