Rhode Island Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Rhode Island firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Rhode Island firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Compare all states:Firefighter Salary by State Hub · Calculator:Salary Comparison Tool
Rhode Island Firefighter Salary — Quick Numbers (2026)
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $65,480):
| 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–$130,000 |
| Engineer / Driver-Operator | $88,000–$108,000 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Providence Fire Department | $62,000–$98,000 | Largest department in RI; consistent OT, strong IAFF contract. |
| Cranston Fire Department | $58,000–$92,000 | Providence suburb; competitive compensation. |
| Pawtucket Fire Department | $56,000–$88,000 | Urban department; consistent call volume. |
| Woonsocket Fire Department | $54,000–$84,000 | Northern RI; Massachusetts border proximity lifts wages. |
Overtime and Premium Pay
Rhode Island departments are small-state but high-density. Providence has consistent OT. Massachusetts border proximity and mutual aid create additional staffing demand.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI). Defined-benefit plus hybrid elements for newer hires (post-2012 RIRSA). Employee contributions around 8.75% of gross. Rhode Island pension reform (RIRSA) reduced benefits for active and some retired employees — understand the current benefit structure.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Rhode Island has relatively high housing and living costs, particularly near Providence. Boston commuter influence affects southern RI. Property taxes are above average.
RI Firefighter Career Outlook
Small state with good pay driven by New England market rates. RIRSA pension reform reduced long-term benefits — understand the current tier before planning retirement. Providence is the clear primary career market.
How to Compare Two Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Rhode Island is $65,480. 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–$130,000.
Do Rhode Island firefighters get a pension?
Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI). Defined-benefit plus hybrid elements for newer hires (post-2012 RIRSA). Employee contributions around 8.75% of gross. Rhode Island pension reform (RIRSA) reduced benefits for active and some retired employees — understand the current benefit structure.
Is Rhode Island a good state for a firefighter career?
Small state with good pay driven by New England market rates. RIRSA pension reform reduced long-term benefits — understand the current tier before planning retirement. Providence is the clear primary career market.
Interested in working as a firefighter in Rhode Island? See our firefighter career guide for 2026 — requirements, CPAT, written exam, and academy explained step by step.
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