Firefighters Salary in Houston, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Median annual salary $59,820 +0.5% vs national
Median hourly $28.76
10th percentile $44,520
90th percentile $73,840
Employed locally 6,610
National median $59,530

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    In Houston, TX, firefighters earn a median annual salary of $59,820, with a median hourly wage of $28.76. This is slightly above the national median for firefighters, which stands at $59,530. When compared to the local area's median household income of $80,458, firefighters' earnings are somewhat lower, indicating that while they earn competitive salaries within their field, they generally fall below the broader community's average household income.

    Entry-level firefighters in Houston can expect a salary closer to the 10th percentile mark of $44,520, whereas those with more experience may reach or exceed the 75th percentile earnings of $73,840. The significant difference between these figures is driven by factors such as years of service, additional certifications, and specialized training. Experienced firefighters often command higher salaries due to their advanced skills and expertise, which are essential for handling complex emergency situations efficiently. Additionally, union agreements and merit-based pay increases contribute to the disparity in earnings based on experience levels.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $44,520
    25th
    $48,620
    50th (median)
    $59,820
    75th
    $73,840
    90th
    $73,840

    Houston economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,458 2023 • Census ACS
    Firefighters salary vs area income 74% Median Firefighters salary is 26% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Firefighters make per hour in Houston?

    The median hourly wage for Firefighters in Houston, TX is $28.76, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $35.08 or more per hour.

    Is Houston above or below average for Firefighters salaries?

    The median Firefighters salary in Houston, TX is 0.5% above the national median of $59,530. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Firefighters in Houston?

    Entry-level Firefighters (10th percentile) earn around $44,520 per year in Houston, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $48,620.