Rhode Island Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Overtime Rules, Benefits & Verified Comparison
Rhode Island firefighter compensation should be compared using verified department pay scales (rank/step), schedule structure, overtime policy, and benefit deductions. This avoids misleading “average salary” comparisons.
Compare all states (Hub)Salary Comparison Tool
Best approach: gather the current pay scale and a benefits summary for each department you’re evaluating.
What Drives Pay in Rhode Island
- Rank/step plan: steps and promotions define the compensation range.
- Schedule design: premium time rules affect annual totals.
- Overtime policy: callbacks/holdovers, assignment method, and caps determine realistic overtime.
- Benefits/deductions: retirement and healthcare contributions impact take-home pay.
Overtime and Incentives: What to Verify
- How overtime is assigned and whether it is capped
- Callback/holdover minimum paid time
- Any incentives tied to certifications or specialty roles (if offered)
How to Compare Two Rhode Island Departments
- Match rank/step and confirm probation vs permanent rates.
- Confirm schedule and overtime calculation method.
- Estimate realistic overtime based on policy/staffing.
- Subtract deductions (retirement + healthcare).
- Compare purchasing power using local costs.
FAQ
Where can I verify Rhode Island firefighter pay?
Use official department or city/town HR pay scales and any posted documentation covering overtime and benefits.
Why does take-home pay vary so much?
Deductions and overtime policy differences can materially change net pay even when base pay looks similar.
