Oregon Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Oregon firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Oregon firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $65,180):
Level
Annual Base Pay
Entry-level (probation / step 1)
$52,000–$66,000
Mid-career (5–10 years)
$68,000–$86,000
Top-step Firefighter
$80,000–$100,000
With overtime (realistic)
$96,000–$128,000
Engineer / Driver-Operator
$88,000–$110,000
Captain
$104,000–$135,000
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
Portland Fire & Rescue
$62,000–$100,000
Largest department in Oregon. Strong IAFF Local 43 contract. Wildland-urban interface exposure.
Salem Fire Department
$56,000–$88,000
State capital; consistent employment.
Eugene Fire & EMS
$54,000–$84,000
University of Oregon city; active department.
Gresham Fire
$58,000–$90,000
Portland metro suburb; competitive compensation.
Overtime and Premium Pay
Portland has consistent OT. Wildfire season is a major OT driver statewide — Oregon has some of the most active wildfire seasons in the nation. Wildland certifications are very valuable.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) — Police Officer & Firefighter (P&F) category. Defined-benefit. Employee contributions approximately 0% (employer-paid in many jurisdictions) under Tier 1/2, or defined contribution under OPSRP for newer hires. Oregon PERS is one of the more generous systems nationally.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Portland housing costs are high but below San Francisco and Seattle. Oregon has no sales tax but state income tax is relatively high (up to 9.9%). Wildfire smoke season is an increasing quality-of-life factor.
OR Firefighter Career Outlook
Oregon is a solid mid-to-upper tier state. PERS pension is excellent. Wildfire exposure creates both risk and opportunity. Portland is the primary career market.
How to Compare Two Oregon 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 Oregon?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Oregon is $65,180. Career firefighters typically earn $68,000–$86,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $96,000–$128,000.
Do Oregon firefighters get a pension?
Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) — Police Officer & Firefighter (P&F) category. Defined-benefit. Employee contributions approximately 0% (employer-paid in many jurisdictions) under Tier 1/2, or defined contribution under OPSRP for newer hires. Oregon PERS is one of the more generous systems nationally.
Is Oregon a good state for a firefighter career?
Oregon is a solid mid-to-upper tier state. PERS pension is excellent. Wildfire exposure creates both risk and opportunity. Portland is the primary career market.
