📈
Sponsorship available
America's most comprehensive salary data site
All 50 states · 49 professions · BLS-verified figures
→

Firefighter Salaries in Minnesota — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a firefighter make in Minnesota? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $41,990/yr ($20.19/hr), with around 4,890 people working in this field statewide.

Firefighter salaries in Minnesota are below the national average by approximately $15,372. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.

A solid industrial economy and stable population mean firefighters in Minnesota enjoy reliable job security.

Minnesota Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Minnesota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$41,990
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$32,674

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Minnesota Firefighter Check

Interactive

Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Minnesota median of $41,990.

Your annual salary ($)

Firefighter Salary by Experience — Minnesota

Entry Level (0–2 years)$26,000/yr · $12.50/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Minnesota.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$37,371/yr · $17.97/hr
Established professional working independently in Minnesota. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$46,608/yr · $22.41/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Minnesota.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$60,500+/yr · $29.09/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Minnesota.
📊
Advertise on WageByState
6,200+ data pages · all 50 states · BLS-verified
Reach professionals actively researching salary & career data
→

Firefighter Salary Trend in Minnesota — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Minnesota has seen 13.9% wage growth for firefighters — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Minnesota's fire protection and emergency services.

2021
$36,867
2022
$39,008
+5.8%
2023
$40,814
+4.6%
2024
$41,486
+1.6%
2026
$41,990
+1.2%

Firefighter Salary by City — Minnesota

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Minneapolis$46,600$22.40+11.0%1,711
Saint Paul$44,500$21.39+6.0%1,369
Rochester$43,250$20.79+3.0%880
Duluth$40,300$19.38-4.0%440
Bloomington$38,200$18.37-9.0%293
Brooklyn Park$36,550$17.57-13.0%195

Tip: Minneapolis offers the highest firefighter salaries in Minnesota at $46,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Minnesota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

Minnesota — 9.85% state income tax$41,990 gross~$32,674 take-home
North Dakota — 2.5%$53,660 gross+27.8% vs MN
South Dakota — no state tax$47,520 gross+13.2% vs MN
Iowa — 6.0%$55,190 gross+31.4% vs MN

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.

👥
Sponsor this section
Put your brand in front of HR & career decision-makers
High-intent audience · Niche relevance · Brand-safe environment
→

Firefighter Job Outlook in Minnesota

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
4,890Currently employed
489+New jobs projected

Employment for firefighters in Minnesota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Minnesota job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean firefighters in Minnesota enjoy reliable job security.

How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Minnesota

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Minnesota typically adds $34,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Minneapolis pays firefighters $46,600/yr — +11.0% above the Minnesota average. Simply relocating within Minnesota 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 Minnesota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays firefighters $53,660/yr — 27.8% vs Minnesota.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Minnesota

Live Listings

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average firefighter salary in Minnesota?
The average firefighter salary in Minnesota is $41,990 per year, or $20.19 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $26,000 while experienced professionals earn $60,500 or more.
Where do firefighters earn the most in Minnesota?
Minneapolis pays firefighters the most in Minnesota at an average of $46,600 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Minnesota stack up nationally for firefighter pay?
Minnesota firefighter salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $15,372. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.
What is the take-home pay for a firefighter in Minnesota?
A firefighter earning the Minnesota average of $41,990 takes home approximately $32,674 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.
Is firefighter a good career in Minnesota?
Yes. Firefighter is a strong career choice in Minnesota with steady demand projected over the next decade. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean firefighters in Minnesota enjoy reliable job security.
How do you get a firefighter licence in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, 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.