Idaho Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Idaho firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Idaho firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Boise has increasing OT as the city grows and staffing struggles to keep pace. Wildland fire season (USFS mutual aid contracts) can add significant income for certified wildland firefighters in Idaho departments.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). Defined-benefit plan. Firefighter contribution rate approximately 7.16% of gross pay. Strong long-term benefit for career employees.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Idaho housing costs have risen dramatically since 2020 as remote workers and California transplants moved in. Boise is no longer the bargain it once was, though still cheaper than Seattle or Portland. Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls, Pocatello) remains very affordable.
ID Firefighter Career Outlook
Idaho is a growth state with improving compensation. PERSI pension is solid. Wildland certifications are valuable here. Housing in Boise is the biggest financial challenge for new firefighters.
How to Compare Two Idaho Departments
Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Idaho?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Idaho is $52,140. Career firefighters typically earn $55,000–$70,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $78,000–$100,000.
Do Idaho firefighters get a pension?
Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). Defined-benefit plan. Firefighter contribution rate approximately 7.16% of gross pay. Strong long-term benefit for career employees.
Is Idaho a good state for a firefighter career?
Idaho is a growth state with improving compensation. PERSI pension is solid. Wildland certifications are valuable here. Housing in Boise is the biggest financial challenge for new firefighters.
