The US Forest Service plays a critical role in protecting America’s forests, grasslands, and rural communities from wildfire threats. Among its most essential personnel are firefighters, who risk their lives battling wildfires, conducting controlled burns, and engaging in emergency response operations across the country.
In 2025, the US government revised pay structures for federal firefighters, including those in the Forest Service, in response to rising wildfire risks, inflation, and a nationwide push to improve firefighter recruitment and retention. This updated pay plan addresses regional cost-of-living differences, increases hazard pay allowances, and strengthens overtime compensation making it more competitive compared to state and local firefighting agencies.
Whether you’re planning to join the US Forest Service as a firefighter, or you simply want to understand how much they earn in different states, this guide covers everything you need from salary tables and benefits to career growth opportunities and frequently asked questions.
US Forest Service Firefighter Salary by State — 2025 Overview
The US Forest Service firefighter salary varies depending on:
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State and duty location (cost of living adjustments)
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Grade level under the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale
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Years of service
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Overtime hours worked
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Hazard pay for high-risk fire assignments
Summary Table: US Forest Service Firefighter Salary by State (2025)
Below is an estimated 2025 salary table for US Forest Service firefighters, showing average annual pay by state, including base pay, locality pay, and typical overtime earnings. Figures are rounded and based on full-time GS-5 to GS-7 wildland firefighter positions with standard hazard pay.
| State | Estimated Annual Salary (USD) | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $54,000 – $78,000 | $26 – $37 | Highest due to high COLA and intense fire seasons |
| Oregon | $50,000 – $73,000 | $24 – $35 | Strong overtime potential |
| Washington | $51,000 – $74,000 | $24 – $36 | Hazard pay common |
| Idaho | $48,000 – $70,000 | $23 – $34 | Seasonal fire peaks |
| Montana | $47,000 – $69,000 | $23 – $33 | Lower COLA but heavy wildfire activity |
| Colorado | $50,000 – $72,000 | $24 – $35 | Many wildland deployments |
| Arizona | $49,000 – $71,000 | $23 – $34 | Long fire seasons |
| New Mexico | $48,000 – $69,000 | $23 – $33 | Moderate COLA |
| Nevada | $49,000 – $72,000 | $23 – $35 | Dry climate, high hazard pay |
| Alaska | $55,000 – $80,000 | $26 – $38 | Remote duty differential |
| Utah | $47,000 – $68,000 | $23 – $33 | Moderate overtime |
| Wyoming | $46,000 – $67,000 | $22 – $32 | Fewer fires but high hazard pay when active |
| Texas | $48,000 – $70,000 | $23 – $34 | Wildland-urban interface fires |
| Florida | $47,000 – $69,000 | $23 – $33 | Year-round fire risk |
| Georgia | $46,000 – $67,000 | $22 – $32 | Lower COLA |
| North Carolina | $46,000 – $68,000 | $22 – $33 | Seasonal deployments |
| South Carolina | $45,000 – $66,000 | $22 – $32 | Smaller but frequent fires |
| Other States | $44,000 – $65,000 | $21 – $31 | Based on COLA & overtime potential |
Note: These are 2025 projections and may vary based on federal budget changes, duty station locality adjustments, and annual fire activity.
How the US Forest Service Firefighter Salary Structure Works (2025)
1. Federal Pay Scale (GS System)
Forest Service firefighters are federal employees, and their pay is primarily based on the General Schedule (GS) pay system. Most entry-level firefighters start at GS-3 to GS-5, while crew leaders and experienced firefighters may be GS-6 or GS-7.
In 2025, the GS base pay was increased by 4.6% nationwide, with locality pay adding between 15% and 35% depending on location.
2. Locality Pay Adjustments
The cost of living in places like California, Alaska, and Washington significantly increases firefighter salaries due to locality pay rates.
3. Hazard Pay
Firefighters receive 25% hazard pay for hours spent on active wildfire duty, reflecting the high-risk nature of the work.
4. Overtime Pay
Wildland firefighting often requires long shifts during peak fire season. Overtime is calculated at 1.5x the regular hourly rate, often adding thousands to annual earnings.
5. Seasonal vs. Permanent Positions
Some Forest Service firefighters are seasonal hires working 4–6 months a year. Seasonal firefighters earn less annually but can make high weekly pay during peak season due to extended hours.
Detailed US Forest Service Firefighter State-by-State Salary Breakdown (2025)
This breakdown explains what influences the salary ranges in each state, considering cost of living, fire season intensity, and deployment frequency for US Forest Service firefighters in 2025. Figures include base pay, typical overtime, and hazard pay for active wildfire duty.
California
Salary Range: $54,000 – $78,000 annually
California’s combination of long fire seasons, frequent wildland-urban interface fires, and high cost of living results in the highest firefighter pay in the US Forest Service. Firefighters in Northern California often face steep, rugged terrain, while Southern California crews deal with extreme heat and Santa Ana wind-driven fires. Locality pay for San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego regions significantly boosts earnings.
Oregon
Salary Range: $50,000 – $73,000 annually
Oregon experiences heavy wildfire activity in both its forested eastern regions and coastal mountain areas. Firefighters often respond to lightning-sparked fires in remote wilderness areas, requiring long deployments. Overtime potential is high during late summer and early fall.
Washington
Salary Range: $51,000 – $74,000 annually
Washington’s forests and national parks, particularly on the eastern side of the Cascades, face recurring wildfire threats. Locality pay in areas near Seattle and Olympia is higher, but many duty stations are in more rural, affordable areas. Hazard pay is common during peak season.
Idaho
Salary Range: $48,000 – $70,000 annually
Idaho’s rugged backcountry makes wildfire suppression both dangerous and logistically challenging. Although cost of living is moderate, firefighters here often log high overtime hours due to extended fire seasons in mountainous terrain.
Montana
Salary Range: $47,000 – $69,000 annually
Montana crews often face dry, windy conditions and large-scale grassland fires. Locality pay is lower due to the state’s lower living costs, but long deployments and hazard pay can raise annual earnings.
Colorado
Salary Range: $50,000 – $72,000 annually
Colorado’s wildfires are typically wind-driven and occur in steep mountain environments. Firefighters may be deployed to remote fire camps for weeks at a time. Higher locality adjustments in Denver and Boulder regions boost salaries.
Arizona
Salary Range: $49,000 – $71,000 annually
Arizona’s long fire season stretches into early winter in some areas. Firefighters must contend with extreme heat, low humidity, and desert winds. Overtime is common, and hazard pay applies frequently during summer months.
New Mexico
Salary Range: $48,000 – $69,000 annually
Known for both forest and desert wildfires, New Mexico offers moderate base pay but significant overtime potential. Crews often travel long distances between assignments due to the state’s dispersed national forests.
Nevada
Salary Range: $49,000 – $72,000 annually
Nevada’s dry climate creates consistent wildfire risk. Many fires are in remote desert or mountain areas, requiring long deployments and high hazard pay.
Alaska
Salary Range: $55,000 – $80,000 annually
Alaska offers some of the highest firefighter pay due to remote duty differentials and long-distance deployments. Fire seasons are shorter but intense, with large tundra and boreal forest fires. Travel costs are higher, and crews often work extended shifts in isolated areas.
Utah
Salary Range: $47,000 – $68,000 annually
Utah’s fires are often fueled by dry summers and lightning storms in mountainous terrain. Locality pay is modest, but overtime opportunities can be substantial during peak season.
Wyoming
Salary Range: $46,000 – $67,000 annually
Wyoming has fewer fires than states like California or Arizona, but hazard pay spikes during active events. Firefighters here often deploy to other states during severe fire years.
Texas
Salary Range: $48,000 – $70,000 annually
Texas firefighters often deal with grassland and wildland-urban interface fires. While base pay is moderate, frequent deployments and mutual aid responses increase annual income.
Florida
Salary Range: $47,000 – $69,000 annually
Florida has a year-round wildfire risk due to its warm climate. Many fires occur in wetlands or pine flatwoods, requiring specialized suppression methods. Overtime and hazard pay are consistent.
Georgia
Salary Range: $46,000 – $67,000 annually
Georgia’s fire activity is moderate, but hazard pay is still available during seasonal burns and wildfire outbreaks. Lower living costs mean salaries stretch further here.
North Carolina
Salary Range: $46,000 – $68,000 annually
North Carolina firefighters may work in the Appalachian Mountains or coastal plains. Controlled burns are a significant part of their workload outside wildfire season.
South Carolina
Salary Range: $45,000 – $66,000 annually
South Carolina’s wildfire activity is relatively low compared to western states, but hazard pay is still applied during major events. Cost of living is low, so base salaries go further.
Other States
Salary Range: $44,000 – $65,000 annually
In states with fewer large-scale wildfires, Forest Service firefighters may earn less overall, but they often deploy to higher-activity states during peak fire years, increasing total income through travel pay and hazard bonuses.
Benefits and Allowances for US Forest Service Firefighters (2025)
US Forest Service firefighters receive more than just salary — their benefits package is substantial.
Key Benefits
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Federal Employee Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
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Retirement through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government match
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Life insurance coverage
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Paid leave and sick days
Key Allowances
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Hazard Pay (25% during wildfire duty)
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Remote Duty Differential for isolated locations
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Travel Per Diem for out-of-state deployments
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Equipment Allowance
Comparison with Other Firefighting Agencies
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State Firefighters: Often earn more per hour but have fewer long-term benefits than federal firefighters.
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Municipal Firefighters: Higher base pay in urban areas but less wildfire experience.
Factors Influencing Salary in 2025
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Inflation & Cost of Living Adjustments
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Federal Budget Allocations for Firefighting
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Fire Season Severity
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Experience & Grade Promotions
How to Become a US Forest Service Firefighter
Basic Requirements:
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US citizenship
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At least 18 years old
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High school diploma or GED
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Physical fitness to pass the Work Capacity Test
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Willingness to travel for deployments
Career Progression
Entry-level firefighters can advance to:
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Senior Firefighter
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Squad Leader
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Engine Captain
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Fire Management Officer
FAQs — US Forest Service Firefighter Salary (2025)
1. What is the starting salary?
The starting salary for a US Forest Service firefighter in 2025 typically ranges from $33,000 to $42,000 annually for entry-level GS-3 or GS-4 positions. However, with hazard pay and overtime during fire season, a first-year firefighter can realistically earn between $40,000 and $50,000 depending on location and hours worked.
2. How much can overtime add?
Overtime can significantly boost earnings. During peak wildfire season, firefighters often work 60–80 hours per week, with overtime paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. For many firefighters, overtime adds $8,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on fire activity and deployment frequency.
3. Is hazard pay always included?
No. Hazard pay — an additional 25% of the hourly rate — is only applied during hours spent on active wildfire duty or other high-risk assignments. It is not part of base pay and will vary depending on how many hours a firefighter spends in hazardous conditions.
4. Do seasonal firefighters get benefits?
Seasonal firefighters (generally working 4–6 months a year) receive base pay, overtime, and hazard pay, but most do not receive full-time federal benefits like health insurance or retirement. However, if they work enough total hours across multiple seasons, they may qualify for certain benefits.
5. What’s the highest possible salary?
Highly experienced permanent firefighters in leadership positions — such as GS-9 Fire Management Officers — can earn $80,000 to over $100,000 annually, especially in high-cost areas with frequent wildfire activity. Including hazard and overtime pay, total annual earnings can be even higher during extreme fire years.
6. Can firefighters transfer states?
Yes. Because the US Forest Service operates nationwide, firefighters can request transfers to other duty stations. Transfers are subject to position availability, experience level, and agency needs. Many firefighters move to states with higher pay or longer fire seasons to maximize earnings.
7. How is locality pay calculated?
Locality pay is based on the cost of living in a firefighter’s duty station area. Each region has a federal locality rate, which is added to the base GS salary. For example, duty stations in California and Alaska have some of the highest locality adjustments in the country.
8. Do they get pensions?
Yes. Permanent US Forest Service firefighters are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a pension, Social Security benefits, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
9. Is wildfire work year-round?
Not always. In most states, wildfire work is seasonal, peaking in late spring through early fall. However, some regions — like parts of California, Florida, and Texas have wildfire risks year-round. Off-season duties may include controlled burns, equipment maintenance, and training.
10. Are bonuses available for dangerous duty?
Yes. In addition to hazard pay, firefighters may receive deployment bonuses for working in remote areas, emergency response incentives for sudden large-scale fires, and retention bonuses in high-need locations.
Conclusion
In 2025, US Forest Service firefighter salaries are more competitive than ever, thanks to federal pay reforms, increased hazard pay, and better locality adjustments. While the job remains physically demanding and risky, the combination of good pay, strong benefits, and a clear career path makes it an attractive public service career for those committed to protecting America’s forests and communities.