Maryland Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Overtime Rules, Benefits & Total Compensation
Maryland firefighter pay is best evaluated using department-level details you can verify: pay scale by rank/step, schedule structure, overtime policy, and benefit deductions. This guide provides a clean framework to compare offers accurately.
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Decision rule: compare two departments using the same rank/step, the same schedule assumptions, and realistic overtime—not maximum overtime.
What Drives Firefighter Pay in Maryland
- Rank/step plan: base pay growth is typically structured through steps and promotions.
- Schedule and premium rules: how overtime and holidays are paid changes annual totals.
- Overtime policy: assignment method + callback minimums + caps determine practical earning.
- Deductions: retirement and healthcare premiums affect take-home pay.
Overtime and Incentives
Before you compare pay, verify overtime assignment rules, holdover/callback minimums, and whether specialty roles or certifications have incentives.
Benefits and Retirement
Ask for benefit summaries and contribution rates. Retirement and healthcare deductions can change net pay more than small differences in base salary.
How to Compare Two Maryland Departments
- Match rank/step and confirm probation vs permanent pay.
- Confirm schedule and overtime calculation method.
- Estimate realistic overtime based on staffing policy.
- Subtract retirement and healthcare deductions.
- Compare purchasing power based on housing and commuting costs.
FAQ
What should I verify before trusting a salary figure?
Verify the pay scale for your target rank/step, the schedule, the overtime policy, and your expected deductions for retirement and healthcare.
Is total compensation more important than base pay?
In many cases, yes. Overtime rules, incentives, and deductions often determine real take-home value more than base pay alone.
