New Jersey Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Overtime Rules, Benefits & Department Comparison
New Jersey firefighter compensation should be compared using verified department pay scales, schedule details, overtime policies, and benefit deductions. This guide provides a practical framework to evaluate total compensation accurately.
Compare all states (Hub)Salary Comparison Tool
Compare responsibly: same rank/step + same schedule assumptions, then overtime rules and deductions decide the real difference.
What Drives Pay in New Jersey
- Rank/step pay scale: step progression and promotions often drive long-term earnings.
- Schedule structure: overtime calculation and premium rules impact annual totals.
- Overtime policy: callbacks/holdovers and caps determine realistic overtime.
- Benefits/deductions: retirement and healthcare contributions affect take-home pay.
Overtime and Incentives: What to Verify
- Overtime assignment method and typical availability
- Callback/holdover minimums and triggers
- Specialty incentives (certifications/roles) if available
How to Compare Two New Jersey Departments
- Match rank/step and confirm probation vs permanent pay.
- Confirm schedule and overtime calculation method.
- Estimate realistic overtime (policy-based).
- Subtract deductions (retirement + healthcare).
- Compare purchasing power using housing and commute costs.
FAQ
What should I ask HR for first?
Ask for the current pay scale by rank/step, overtime policy summary, and benefits/deductions for your coverage type.
Is base pay enough to compare?
No. Total compensation requires overtime rules, incentives, and deductions to be considered.
