Firefighters Salary in Detroit, MI

In Detroit, MI, firefighters earn a median annual salary of $61,900 and a median hourly wage of $29.76. This figure is slightly higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $59,530. When compared to the local household income in Detroit, where the area median is $75,123, it becomes evident that firefighters earn less than the typical household income. Despite earning above the national average for their profession, firefighters' salaries do not surpass the local median household earnings. The city's unemployment rate of 4.50% provides a backdrop against which these salary figures are considered.

Entry-level firefighters in Detroit start with annual earnings around $46,560 (10th percentile), while those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $51,310 annually. More experienced or higher-performing firefighters can expect to reach the 75th percentile, earning about $70,260 per year, and some may even achieve salaries up to $82,160, which is the 90th percentile. The difference in earnings between entry-level and seasoned firefighters reflects factors such as experience, skill level, tenure, and performance in demanding roles that involve high risk and responsibility. These salary variations highlight the premium placed on experience and expertise within this critical public safety occupation.