Police Officer vs Firefighter: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Police Officer
Maintain public safety, enforce laws, and respond to emergencies.
Firefighter
Respond to fires, accidents, and emergencies to protect lives and property.
Police Officer earns more on average — the national median is $7,000/year (12%) higher than a Firefighter. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Police Officer vs Firefighter — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Police Officer | Firefighter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $96,917 | $82,778 | Police +$14,139 |
| New York, NY | $76,308 | $71,707 | Police +$4,601 |
| Seattle, WA | $92,835 | $83,377 | Police +$9,458 |
| Austin, TX | $73,044 | $65,183 | Police +$7,861 |
| Chicago, IL | $69,817 | $61,284 | Police +$8,533 |
| Boston, MA | $84,996 | $74,083 | Police +$10,913 |
| London, UK | £49,861 | £46,176 | Police +$3,685 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$86,302 | CA$74,675 | Police +$11,627 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Police Officer or Firefighter earn more?+
A Police Officer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Police Officer is $65,000/year, compared to $58,000/year for a Firefighter — a difference of $7,000 (12%).
Which has better career growth — Police Officer or Firefighter?+
Police Officer roles are growing at 4% YoY while Firefighter demand is growing at 3% YoY. Police Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Police Officer to Firefighter?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Police Officer or Firefighter?+
Firefighter has a lower AI automation risk (5% vs 10%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.