Career firefighter pay in each state fire service we cover, side by side, with take-home pay on the linked pages.
A recruit firefighter earns $80,399 to $81,118 a year in NSW and Queensland, about $2,467 to $2,486 a fortnight after tax.
Firefighter pay by state
| Service | Recruit | Firefighter | Qualified / First Class | Station Officer (entry) | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire and Rescue NSW | $81,118 | $93,597 | $103,996 | $132,075 | from 26 February 2026; weekly wage includes shift and roster allowances |
| Queensland Fire Department | $80,399 | $96,016 | $103,245 | $127,888 | from 1 September 2026; base plus weekend, night shift and 38-hour week allowances |
A year is the weekly rate × 365 ÷ 7 (NSW) or the fortnightly total × 365 ÷ 14 (Queensland). Victoria, WA, SA and the other states aren't covered yet.
Common questions
How much do firefighters earn in Australia?
In the two services compared here, recruits earn $80,399 to $81,118 a year and a qualified firefighter about $103,245 to $103,996, including shift allowances.
Is firefighter pay higher in NSW or Queensland?
A NSW Qualified Firefighter earns $103,996 and a Queensland First Class Firefighter $103,245 a year, each including the allowances shown. The ranks and allowances aren't identical, so treat this as a guide.
Is super included?
No. Employer super is paid on top.
See also police pay by state, paramedic pay by state and nurse pay by state.
Each service's source is cited on its own page. Tax: ATO tax rates. General information only.