Many Australians are drawn to careers in fire and emergency services, not just for the opportunity to protect life and property, but also because of the structured career path and competitive pay. In 2025, the salary scale for Fire Management Officers in Australia remains one of the most structured and secure in public service, with consistent annual pay increases, allowances, and defined roles by rank.
This guide explores everything you need to know about the Australian Fire Management Officer salary pay scale by rank, including how much you can earn at each level, what factors influence salary, and how to begin or grow your career in fire management.
Whether you're considering a career in bushfire management, structural firefighting, or emergency response coordination, this guide will provide the insight you need to understand the financial prospects in this critical profession.
What Is a Fire Management Officer in Australia?
A Fire Management Officer in Australia is a professional employed by government agencies such as the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), state fire authorities, or land and forest management bodies like Parks Australia, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), or Victoria’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
They are responsible for:
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Coordinating bushfire prevention and response operations
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Developing fire management strategies
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Conducting controlled burns and fuel load assessments
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Training firefighters and volunteers
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Responding to emergencies and natural disasters
This role is especially vital in a fire-prone country like Australia, where extreme heat, dry conditions, and vegetation make bushfires a seasonal threat.
Overview of Fire Management Officer Pay in Australia
The salary of a Fire Management Officer in Australia varies based on several factors:
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Rank or Level (APS level or Public Sector classification)
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State or Territory (pay rates vary across jurisdictions)
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Experience and Tenure
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Location-based Allowances (regional and remote area allowances)
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Overtime and Hazard Pay
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Special Skills (like aerial operations or incident command)
Across the board, salaries typically range from AUD $70,000 to over $150,000 per year, depending on role and rank.
Fire Management Officer Salary by Rank (2025)
The rank system for Fire Management Officers often follows the Australian Public Service (APS) band structure or respective state-level public sector classifications. Below is a detailed look at common ranks and their estimated salary ranges in 2025.
1. Entry-Level Fire Officer / Fire Management Trainee
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Salary Range: $70,000 – $85,000 annually
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Typical Rank: APS Level 3–4 or equivalent
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Duties:
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Supporting senior officers in planning and implementing fire programs
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Assisting with prescribed burning and fire monitoring
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Attending training courses and acquiring field certifications
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This rank is ideal for those just entering the field, possibly with a diploma or degree in fire ecology, emergency management, or natural resource management.
2. Fire Management Officer (Base Level)
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Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000 annually
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Typical Rank: APS Level 5 or state equivalent
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Duties:
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Leading small teams during field operations
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Preparing fire plans and risk assessments
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Overseeing seasonal staff and volunteers
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At this level, officers are considered fully qualified and take on more decision-making responsibilities during fire events.
3. Senior Fire Management Officer
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Salary Range: $100,000 – $120,000 annually
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Typical Rank: APS Level 6
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Duties:
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Managing fire zones or districts
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Leading interagency planning and suppression efforts
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Training and mentoring lower-ranked officers
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Overseeing equipment maintenance and readiness
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This rank reflects significant field experience and leadership skills.
4. District Fire Coordinator / Regional Fire Manager
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Salary Range: $120,000 – $135,000 annually
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Typical Rank: EL1 (Executive Level 1) or state equivalent
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Duties:
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Strategic fire planning across multiple districts
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Liaising with government bodies and emergency agencies
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High-level decision-making during fire emergencies
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Often, these officers are on-call during the fire season and are responsible for coordinating emergency responses in real-time.
5. Incident Controller / Fire Operations Manager
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Salary Range: $135,000 – $150,000+ annually
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Typical Rank: EL2 or state executive roles
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Duties:
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Commanding major bushfire suppression efforts
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Coordinating air and ground resources
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Representing agencies at intergovernmental levels
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Leading investigations post-incident
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This is one of the highest-paid ranks, often filled by career officers with 15+ years of experience.
Allowances and Additional Pay
Many Fire Management Officers also receive various allowances that boost their base salary:
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Remote Area Allowance: Up to $10,000/year for working in remote stations
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Hazard Allowance: For high-risk assignments during peak bushfire season
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Vehicle and Field Allowance: When using personal vehicles or working extended shifts in the field
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Overtime: Paid according to public sector agreements, especially during large fire responses
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On-call Allowance: For officers rostered to respond outside normal hours
These can increase take-home pay by 10–30% depending on the role and deployment.
Fire Management Officer Salary by State and Territory (2025)
The salary scales also differ slightly by state or territory, depending on public service agreements and fire risk.
| State/Territory | Average Salary Range (All Ranks) | Unique Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $80,000 – $150,000 | High density, hazard allowances |
| Victoria | $85,000 – $140,000 | Strong bushfire management culture |
| Queensland | $75,000 – $140,000 | Remote area benefits |
| Western Australia | $80,000 – $145,000 | Vast rural areas, long travel |
| South Australia | $70,000 – $135,000 | Less frequent large-scale fires |
| Tasmania | $70,000 – $125,000 | Shorter fire season |
| Northern Territory | $85,000 – $150,000 | Strong remote and Indigenous fire programs |
| ACT | $75,000 – $130,000 | Urban-rural interface management |
Qualifications and Experience Needed
To earn a high salary as a Fire Management Officer, you typically need:
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A degree or diploma in environmental science, fire ecology, emergency management, or similar
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Field certifications like AIIMS (Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System)
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Experience in prescribed burning, wildfire suppression, or forest management
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Physical fitness and willingness to work in hazardous environments
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Strong communication and leadership skills
Career Progression and Salary Growth
Fire Management offers a structured career ladder:
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Trainee → 2. Officer → 3. Senior Officer → 4. Coordinator → 5. Manager/Controller
Most professionals see annual pay increases based on experience, qualifications, and public service pay agreements. Promotions can occur every 3–5 years with good performance and new credentials.
Job Outlook in 2025 and Beyond
Due to rising bushfire threats linked to climate change, demand for fire management professionals in Australia is increasing. Agencies are investing in:
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More full-time fire officers
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Year-round fuel management strategies
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Expanded training programs
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Technology-based fire mapping and AI risk tools
This growth in investment is likely to keep pushing up salaries and opportunities across the sector.
Summary Table: Fire Management Officer Salary by Rank in Australia (2025)
| Rank | Approximate Salary Range | Rank Code | Key Duties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level / Trainee | $70,000 – $85,000 | APS3–APS4 | Assist field ops, train, support fire planning |
| Fire Management Officer | $85,000 – $100,000 | APS5 | Supervise crews, prepare fire plans |
| Senior Fire Management Officer | $100,000 – $120,000 | APS6 | Manage districts, mentor team, lead operations |
| District Fire Coordinator | $120,000 – $135,000 | EL1 | Lead strategic fire response, interagency liaison |
| Incident Controller / Manager | $135,000 – $150,000+ | EL2 / Exec | Command fire incidents, oversee major operations |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the average salary of a Fire Management Officer in Australia in 2025?
The average salary ranges from $85,000 to $135,000, depending on rank and location.
2. Do Fire Management Officers receive hazard pay?
Yes. Officers may earn extra allowances for working in high-risk fire conditions, especially during peak fire season.
3. How do I become a Fire Management Officer in Australia?
You typically need a diploma or degree in environmental or fire sciences, relevant field certifications, and experience in fire operations.
4. Are these government jobs or private sector roles?
Most Fire Management Officer roles are government-funded public service positions, either at state or federal level.
5. Do Fire Management Officers get paid overtime?
Yes. Overtime is available, especially during emergencies, and paid according to public sector agreements.
6. Is there a difference between bushfire and urban fire officer salaries?
Yes. Urban firefighting (e.g. through Fire and Rescue NSW) has a different salary structure than bushfire or land management roles.
7. Are there salary differences by state?
Yes. States with higher fire risk or more remote work typically offer higher pay and allowances.
8. What is the highest-paying Fire Officer position in Australia?
Incident Commanders and Regional Fire Operations Managers can earn over $150,000 annually with allowances.
9. Can I work part-time in this field?
Some roles are seasonal or contract-based, but senior management roles are typically full-time.
10. Is the salary enough to live comfortably in Australia?
Yes. A salary above $100,000 is above the national average and can support a comfortable lifestyle, especially in regional areas.
Conclusion: Is a Career in Fire Management Worth It?
Becoming a Fire Management Officer in Australia offers a rewarding and stable career path. With salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $150,000 and clear opportunities for advancement, it is both financially and personally fulfilling.
In 2025 and beyond, climate challenges will continue to demand skilled professionals in fire planning, emergency response, and land management. If you're passionate about protecting communities and the environment, and you’re looking for a career with purpose and excellent pay, fire management is a strong career choice.
Now is the time to explore job listings, build your qualifications, and take the first step toward a career in fire services.