Minnesota Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Schedule, Overtime & Benefits Comparison
Minnesota firefighter compensation can vary by department pay scales, schedule structure, overtime policies, and benefit deductions. This guide helps you compare departments accurately using information you can verify.
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Keep it consistent: compare departments at the same rank/step and with the same schedule assumptions, then evaluate overtime rules and deductions.
What Drives Firefighter Pay in Minnesota
- Rank/step plan: step increases and promotions often define pay progression.
- Schedule design: overtime calculation and premium time rules affect annual totals.
- Overtime policy: assignment method and callback minimums determine realistic earnings.
- Benefits/deductions: retirement and healthcare contributions impact net pay.
Overtime and Incentives
Overtime availability depends on staffing and policy. Confirm overtime assignment rules, holdover/callback minimums, and any specialty incentives tied to roles or certifications.
How to Compare Two Minnesota 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 using local housing and commuting costs.
FAQ
What’s the most reliable input for a Minnesota salary comparison?
The official department pay scale for the same rank/step, plus overtime policy and benefits/deduction details.
Why do “average salary” numbers often fail?
They rarely reflect differences in steps, schedules, overtime rules, and deductions that determine take-home pay and total compensation.
