How Much Do Firefighters Make?

Learn how much firefighters earn in the UK, what qualifications are needed, salary levels, pros and cons, and the best fire services to work for.

How Much Do Firefighters Make? UK Salary, Training and Career Guide

Firefighters are highly trained first responders who save lives, protect property, and handle a wide range of emergency situations. It’s a physically and emotionally demanding job, but also one of the most respected and rewarding careers in public service.

In this guide, we’ll explain what firefighters do, what you need to become one, salary levels, specialisations, pros and cons, and who the top employers are in the UK.

Job Description: What Do Firefighters Do?

Firefighters respond to emergencies including fires, road traffic accidents, floods, chemical spills, and rescues. They also spend a large portion of their time on community outreach, safety checks, and fire prevention work.

Key responsibilities:

  • Responding to 999 calls and emergency incidents

  • Controlling and extinguishing fires

  • Rescuing people and animals from danger

  • Providing first aid at accidents and emergencies

  • Inspecting buildings and equipment for fire safety

  • Educating the public on fire prevention and safety

  • Maintaining and cleaning firefighting gear and vehicles

  • Participating in ongoing training and drills

Firefighters work in teams on a 24/7 shift system and must be prepared for physically and emotionally intense situations.

How Hard Is It to Become a Firefighter?

It’s competitive. Fire services often receive hundreds of applications for each vacancy. You don’t need a degree, but you must pass a rigorous selection process that includes:

  • Online assessments and interviews

  • Physical fitness tests

  • Medical checks

  • Teamwork and situational exercises

It can take several months from application to offer.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

To become a firefighter, you’ll need:

  • Physical fitness and strength

  • Quick thinking and calm under pressure

  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills

  • Resilience and emotional maturity

  • A willingness to work in dangerous or high-stress environments

  • Discipline and reliability, especially during night shifts and long hours

Do You Need Qualifications?

No formal academic qualifications are required, but most services expect:

  • A good level of English and Maths

  • A full UK manual driving licence (some require this at entry, others during training)

  • Age 18+ at the time of application

Some services look favourably on prior experience in:

  • The military

  • Emergency services

  • Security

  • Community volunteer work

There is no university requirement, though personal development and promotion pathways may include additional study later.

What Are the Levels and Specialisations?

Career Levels:

  • Trainee Firefighter

  • Firefighter

  • Crew Manager

  • Watch Manager

  • Station Manager

  • Group Manager / Area Manager / Brigade Manager

Specialisations:

  • Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)

  • Fire Investigation

  • Hazardous Material Response (HAZMAT)

  • Fire Safety and Prevention Officers

  • Fire Instructor / Trainer

  • Control Room Operator

  • Technical Rescue (rope, confined space, water rescue)

What Experience Do You Need?

You don’t need direct fire service experience to apply, but the following helps:

  • Volunteering (e.g. Fire Cadets, Community Responder schemes)

  • Fitness training

  • Team-based employment history (e.g. military, logistics, security)

  • Clean driving record

  • Experience working under pressure

Fire services value character and attitude as much as formal experience.

Benefits of Being a Firefighter

  • Job stability – strong public sector position

  • Good pension and benefits

  • Respect and pride in your role

  • Opportunities for progression and specialisation

  • Team environment with a strong sense of camaraderie

  • No student debt – earn while you train

  • Shift-based work gives long blocks of time off

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Physically demanding, especially in fires and rescues

  • Emotional stress, dealing with injury, trauma or fatalities

  • Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays

  • High competition – jobs are sought-after

  • Ongoing training requirements

  • Budget cuts in some services can limit progression

Firefighter Salary UK

Salaries are usually standardised under the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services pay scale.

Trainee Firefighter: £25,000 – £28,000

Firefighter: £32,000 – £38,000

Crew Manager: £40,000 – £45,000

Watch Manager: £46,000 – £52,000

Station Manager: £55,000 – £70,000+

Tax Example:

A firefighter earning £35,000/year would pay:

  • Income Tax: ~£4,432

  • National Insurance: ~£3,149

  • Take-home pay: ~£27,400/year or £527/week

Firefighters also pay into a pension scheme, which reduces take-home slightly but offers strong retirement benefits.

Factors That Affect Salary

  • Seniority and role – crew managers and watch managers earn more

  • Overtime and night shifts – can significantly increase income

  • Region – London firefighters receive London Weighting

  • Specialist skills or roles – technical rescue or fire investigation roles may include bonuses

  • Experience level and training

What’s the Future for Firefighters?

The role is evolving. Fewer fires are occurring thanks to prevention, but:

  • Technical rescues, flood responses and road traffic collisions are increasing

  • Fire prevention and education is becoming a bigger part of the job

  • Climate change is leading to more wildfires and flooding

  • Diversity and inclusion efforts are modernising the workforce

Demand for highly trained, versatile firefighters remains strong.

Best Fire and Rescue Services to Work For

All UK fire services operate under government funding, but some stand out for support, innovation, or reputation:

  • London Fire Brigade – largest in the UK, advanced equipment and training

  • West Midlands Fire Service – known for technical rescue and prevention work

  • Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue – urban and industrial coverage

  • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – large national team

  • Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service – strong training programme

  • Avon Fire & Rescue – active in outreach and public safety

You apply through each service’s individual recruitment portal.

Final Thought

Firefighting is more than just putting out fires—it’s a varied, high-impact role that makes a real difference. It takes resilience, teamwork, and dedication, but the rewards go far beyond salary. For those seeking purpose, respect, and challenge—it’s a career worth every test.