Fire fighter salary: state and industry differences explained

What is a fire fighter salary?

A fire fighter salary in Australia is the pay received by workers classified under ANZSCO 4412 Fire and Emergency Workers. This includes both public sector firefighters employed by state fire services and private sector firefighters in industries like mining. The keyword "fire fighter salary" covers a range from award minimums to median earnings, with significant variation by state and industry.

Fire fighter salary compared to the national index

The national index (100) is set at full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median weekly earnings for Fire and Emergency Workers are $2,280, which annualises to $118,560. That gives an index of about 109, meaning the typical fire fighter earns 9% above the national line. However, this median includes all fire and emergency workers, not just firefighters, and may be influenced by senior roles.

Award minimums are much lower. Under the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020, a Qualified Firefighter in the public sector has a total weekly rate of $1,607.97 (including shift loading and average overtime), annualised to $83,614 – an index of about 77. Private sector award rates are lower still, with a Qualified Firefighter minimum hourly rate of $29.45 (ordinary hourly rate $38.29 including shift loading). Most firefighters are covered by enterprise agreements that pay above the award.

State differences in fire fighter salary

State index figures from the on-site reference show how overall wages vary across Australia. Western Australia (index 106.9) and the Australian Capital Territory (109.9) are above the national line, while Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are below. These patterns often reflect in fire fighter salaries. For example, firefighters in WA may earn more due to the state's strong mining economy and higher cost of living. In contrast, Tasmanian firefighters may earn closer to award rates.

State fire services have their own enterprise agreements. For instance, Fire and Rescue NSW, the Country Fire Authority in Victoria, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in WA each set pay scales that can differ. While exact state-by-state fire fighter salary data is not publicly available in a single source, the state index provides a useful proxy for regional wage levels.

Industry differences: public sector vs mining

Most firefighters work in Public Administration and Safety, which includes state fire services. The industry index for that sector is not separately listed, but it likely sits near the national average. However, a notable minority work in Mining, where the industry index is 154.7 – well above the national line. Firefighters on mine sites (often called emergency response officers) can earn significantly more due to remote area allowances, shift penalties, and the industry's high pay. A mining fire fighter salary might be 50% or more above the public sector equivalent.

How the salary index works

The salary index is a simple way to compare pay: take the yearly gross salary, divide by the national line ($108,352), and multiply by 100. For example, a fire fighter earning $120,000 has an index of 111. This helps you see where a pay figure sits against the national line. You can read more about how the index works.

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. A fire fighter on $100,000 would receive $12,000 in super contributions. Tax for 2026–27 (resident, excluding Medicare) is nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Medicare levy is 2%. A fire fighter earning $110,000 would pay about $25,000 in tax plus Medicare, leaving a take-home pay of about $82,000 after tax and Medicare.

Where to find more information

For award rates, see the Fair Work Ombudsman's Fire Fighting Industry Award. For median earnings, refer to Jobs and Skills Australia. For state comparisons, explore our states page. For industry benchmarks, see industries. You can also browse pay guides for other occupations. If you want to understand the methodology, visit how the index works.

Conclusion

A fire fighter salary in Australia varies widely. The median is above the national line, but award minimums are lower. State and industry differences are significant, with WA and mining offering higher pay. When evaluating a fire fighter salary, consider the classification, employer, and location. Use the salary index to compare against the national line.