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Firefighter Salaries in Connecticut — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a firefighter make in Connecticut? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $77,660/yr ($37.34/hr), with around 2,860 people working in this field statewide.

Firefighter salaries in Connecticut are above the national average by approximately $20,298. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.

Connecticut's high cost of living and strong unions typically result in above-average wages for firefighters.

Connecticut Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Connecticut after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$77,660
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$58,943

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Connecticut Firefighter Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Connecticut median of $77,660.

Your annual salary ($)

Firefighter Salary by Experience — Connecticut

Entry Level (0–2 years)$48,100/yr · $23.12/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Connecticut.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$69,117/yr · $33.23/hr
Established professional working independently in Connecticut. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$86,202/yr · $41.44/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Connecticut.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$111,800+/yr · $53.75/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Connecticut.
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Firefighter Salary Trend in Connecticut — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

firefighters pay in Connecticut has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the firefighter workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Connecticut's fire protection and emergency services.

2021
$68,185
2022
$72,146
+5.8%
2023
$75,485
+4.6%
2024
$76,728
+1.6%
2026
$77,660
+1.2%

Firefighter Salary by City — Connecticut

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Bridgeport$86,200$41.44+11.0%1,000
New Haven$82,300$39.57+6.0%800
Hartford$80,000$38.46+3.0%514
Stamford$74,550$35.84-4.0%257
Waterbury$70,650$33.97-9.0%171
Norwalk$67,550$32.48-13.0%114

Tip: Bridgeport offers the highest firefighter salaries in Connecticut at $86,200/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Connecticut vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Connecticut sits in the mid-range for firefighters.

Connecticut — 6.99% state income tax$77,660 gross~$58,943 take-home
New York — 10.9%$88,380 gross+13.8% vs CT
Massachusetts — 5.0%$73,110 gross-5.9% vs CT
Rhode Island — 5.99%$69,480 gross-10.5% vs CT

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.

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Firefighter Job Outlook in Connecticut

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
2,860Currently employed
286+New jobs projected

Employment for firefighters in Connecticut is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Connecticut job market. Connecticut's high cost of living and strong unions typically result in above-average wages for firefighters.

How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Connecticut

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Connecticut typically adds $63,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Bridgeport pays firefighters $86,200/yr — +11.0% above the Connecticut average. Simply relocating within Connecticut can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency services typically command premium rates in Connecticut. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays firefighters $88,380/yr — 13.8% vs Connecticut.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Connecticut

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average firefighter salary in Connecticut?
The average firefighter salary in Connecticut is $77,660 per year, or $37.34 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $48,100 while experienced professionals earn $111,800 or more.
Where do firefighters earn the most in Connecticut?
Bridgeport pays firefighters the most in Connecticut at an average of $86,200 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is firefighter pay in Connecticut above or below the US average?
Connecticut firefighter salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $20,298. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.
What is the take-home pay for a firefighter in Connecticut?
A firefighter earning the Connecticut average of $77,660 takes home approximately $58,943 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.
Is firefighter a good career in Connecticut?
Yes. Firefighter is a strong career choice in Connecticut with steady demand projected over the next decade. Connecticut's high cost of living and strong unions typically result in above-average wages for firefighters.
How do you become a licensed firefighter in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, firefighters are licensed through the State Fire Marshal's Office. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Fire Marshal's Office for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.