Firefighters pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for firefighters is $39.82 an hour ($82,820 a year). About 14,560 people work in this job there.
That is 40% higher than the U.S. median ($59,280). It is 6% higher than the Illinois median ($78,380).
Pay range for firefighters in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $20.23 | $42,080 |
| 25% of workers | $23.37 | $48,610 |
| Half of workers (median) | $39.82 | $82,820 |
| 75% of workers | $50.83 | $105,720 |
| 90% of workers | $54.29 | $112,930 |
Firefighters pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $82,820 | 14,560 |
| Rockford | $77,150 | 410 |
| Peoria | $73,670 | 490 |
| Bloomington | $69,270 | 170 |
| Springfield | $65,330 | 240 |
| Decatur | $62,430 | 120 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $62,190 | 340 |
| Kankakee | $59,850 | 120 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for firefighters
- Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Long-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +3.7% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 26,800 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technicians | $44,020 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $33,750 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $126,200 |
| Paramedics | $77,670 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $101,630 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.