Firefighter Salaries in Indiana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median firefighter salary in Indiana is $61,470 per year, equivalent to $29.55/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Indiana employs approximately 8,550 firefighters statewide.
Firefighter salaries in Indiana are above the national average by approximately $4,108. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.
Indiana's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for firefighters across both urban and rural areas.
Indiana Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Indiana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Indiana Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Indiana median of $61,470.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — Indiana
Firefighter Salary Trend in Indiana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for firefighters in Indiana: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Indiana's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — Indiana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $68,250 | $32.81 | +11.0% | 2,992 |
| Fort Wayne | $65,150 | $31.32 | +6.0% | 2,394 |
| Evansville | $63,300 | $30.43 | +3.0% | 1,539 |
| South Bend | $59,000 | $28.37 | -4.0% | 769 |
| Carmel | $55,950 | $26.90 | -9.0% | 513 |
| Bloomington | $53,500 | $25.72 | -13.0% | 342 |
Tip: Indianapolis offers the highest firefighter salaries in Indiana at $68,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Indiana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Indiana sits in the mid-range for firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in Indiana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in Indiana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Indiana job market. Indiana's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for firefighters across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Indiana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Indiana typically adds $50,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Indianapolis pays firefighters $68,250/yr — +11.0% above the Indiana average. Simply relocating within Indiana 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 Indiana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Illinois pays firefighters $79,080/yr — 28.6% vs Indiana.
Find Firefighter Jobs in Indiana
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in Indiana:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in Indiana — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in Indiana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Indianapolis, IN→