Fire and Rescue NSW permanent firefighter pay for every rank from 26 February 2026, weekly and yearly, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
A Qualified Firefighter in NSW earns $103,996 a year, about $3,085 a fortnight after tax. Recruits start on $81,118, about $2,486 a fortnight.
NSW firefighter pay by rank
| Rank | A week | A year | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruit Firefighter | $1,555.69 | $81,118 | $2,486 |
| Firefighter | $1,795.01 | $93,597 | $2,813 |
| Qualified Firefighter | $1,994.45 | $103,996 | $3,085 |
| Senior Firefighter | $2,114.13 | $110,237 | $3,248 |
| Leading Firefighter | $2,233.78 | $116,476 | $3,411 |
| Station Officer | $2,532.95 | $132,075 | $3,819 |
| Leading Station Officer | $2,592.79 | $135,195 | $3,900 |
| Inspector | $2,991.69 | $155,995 | $4,388 |
| Superintendent | – | $194,176 | $5,271 |
| Chief Superintendent | – | $209,798 | $5,589 |
Station-based weekly wages; a year is 365 ÷ 7 weeks. Superintendent rates are set per year. Take-home is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27, before extra allowances and super. Tap a yearly amount to open it in the pay calculator.
Common questions
How much does a firefighter earn in NSW?
A Qualified Firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW earns $103,996 a year ($1,994.45 a week) from 26 February 2026, about $3,085 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27.
What does a recruit firefighter get paid in NSW?
A Recruit Firefighter earns $81,118 a year, about $2,486 a fortnight after tax. The award sets the recruit rate at 78% of the Qualified Firefighter rate.
Do NSW firefighter rates include shift allowances?
Yes. The award's weekly wage combines the basic wage, margin, loading, shift allowance and industry allowance, and (except for recruits) the roster allowance. Other allowances, such as for aerial appliances or hazmat work, are paid on top.
How do the ranks compare?
The award keeps fixed relativities to the Qualified Firefighter rate: Recruit 78%, Firefighter 90%, Senior Firefighter 106% and Leading Firefighter 112%.
Is super included?
No. Employer super is paid on top.
See also NSW nurse pay, NSW teacher pay, NSW Police pay and overtime.
Source: Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2024, Schedule 1, Table 1 (NSW Industrial Gazette, 11 March 2026). Checked 2026-10-21. Tax: ATO tax rates. General information only.