Arizona Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Overtime Rules, Benefits & Department Comparison
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Firefighter pay in Arizona is shaped by department pay scales, schedule design, overtime rules, and benefits. This guide helps you compare departments using verifiable inputs instead of unreliable averages.
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Pay Scale Basics: Rank and Step
Most departments use a pay scale that increases by step (years of service) and by rank. When comparing Arizona departments, match the same rank and approximate step to avoid apples-to-oranges comparisons.
Schedule and Built-In Overtime
Schedule formats and how contracts treat built-in overtime can materially change annual totals. Ask how hours are calculated, how holidays are handled, and whether shift trades affect premium pay.
Overtime: What to Confirm
- How overtime is offered and assigned (voluntary vs mandatory)
- Callback/holdover minimums and pay rules
- Caps, approval requirements, and comp time policies (if any)
Benefits and Deductions
Total compensation includes benefits, but take-home pay depends on deductions. Confirm employee contribution rates for retirement and healthcare premiums for your coverage type.
How to Compare Two Arizona Departments
- Get the pay scale and step schedule in writing.
- Confirm schedule details and overtime calculation method.
- Estimate realistic overtime based on staffing and policy.
- Subtract expected deductions (taxes, retirement, healthcare).
- Compare purchasing power in the specific city/region you are targeting.
FAQ
Is overtime common for Arizona firefighters?
It depends on department staffing and policy. Some agencies have consistent extra shifts; others are more stable with limited overtime.
What should I focus on besides base pay?
Rank/step, schedule structure, overtime rules, and benefit deductions are often the most important drivers of take-home value.
