New Jersey Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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New Jersey firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what New Jersey firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
New Jersey Firefighter Salary — Quick Numbers (2026)
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $78,240):
Level
Annual Base Pay
Entry-level (probation / step 1)
$62,000–$76,000
Mid-career (5–10 years)
$78,000–$98,000
Top-step Firefighter
$92,000–$115,000
With overtime (realistic)
$110,000–$150,000
Engineer / Driver-Operator
$100,000–$124,000
Captain
$118,000–$152,000
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
Department
Typical Range
Notes
Newark Fire Department
$68,000–$108,000
Largest department in NJ. High call volume; consistent OT. Airport proximity — aviation hazmat training valuable.
Jersey City Fire Department
$70,000–$110,000
NYC-adjacent; among the highest base pay in the state.
Paterson Fire Department
$65,000–$102,000
High-density urban area; consistent OT.
Trenton Fire Department
$62,000–$96,000
State capital; active department, consistent call volume.
Overtime and Premium Pay
New Jersey departments near Newark and Jersey City have high and consistent OT driven by NYC spillover call volume, transportation infrastructure, and dense population. OT regularly adds $25,000–$50,000+ for active personnel.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). Defined-benefit. Employee contributions approximately 10% of gross. New Jersey's pension system has well-publicized long-term funding challenges — one of the most underfunded systems in the U.S. Understand this risk before committing to a 25+ year career.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the U.S. Housing in northern NJ near NYC is very expensive. South Jersey and rural areas are more affordable. New Jersey state income tax is moderate but property tax burden significantly impacts homeowners.
NJ Firefighter Career Outlook
New Jersey is a high-pay, high-cost state. NYC proximity drives strong compensation, particularly in Hudson and Essex counties. PFRS pension funding challenges are the most important long-term risk factor. Strong union culture throughout the state.
How to Compare Two New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in New Jersey is $78,240. Career firefighters typically earn $78,000–$98,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $110,000–$150,000.
Do New Jersey firefighters get a pension?
Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). Defined-benefit. Employee contributions approximately 10% of gross. New Jersey's pension system has well-publicized long-term funding challenges — one of the most underfunded systems in the U.S. Understand this risk before committing to a 25+ year career.
Is New Jersey a good state for a firefighter career?
New Jersey is a high-pay, high-cost state. NYC proximity drives strong compensation, particularly in Hudson and Essex counties. PFRS pension funding challenges are the most important long-term risk factor. Strong union culture throughout the state.
