GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Firefighter Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$83,095/yr
Typical range: $79,239 – $89,484
P90 · 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 | $54,012 | $4,501 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $60,936 | $5,078 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $66,476 | $5,540 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $72,016 | $6,001 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $83,095 | $6,925 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $93,067 | $7,756 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $95,559 | $7,963 | +77% |
Current Salary
$83,095
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $40/hr
Next Level Target
$93,067
Principal · 14
+$10Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Firefighter salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Firefighters in Chicago, IL earn approximately $83K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Firefighter make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $83K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $40/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $79K–$89K/yr.