GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Firefighter Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$77,185/yr
Typical range: $84,926 – $95,907
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Firefighter salary by experience level in Chicago
Firefighter Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $57,888 | $4,824 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $65,310 | $5,443 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $71,247 | $5,937 | +23% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $77,185 | $6,432 | +33% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $89,059 | $7,422 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $99,746 | $8,312 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $102,418 | $8,535 | +77% |
Current Salary
$77,185
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $37/hr
Next Level Target
$89,059
Staff · 10
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Firefighter salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Firefighters in Chicago, IL earn approximately $77K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Firefighter make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $77K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $37/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Firefighter in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Firefighter in Chicago, IL earns $85K–$96K/yr.