GovernmentUpdated Q1 2026

Firefighter Salary
in Madison, WI

Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and accidents to protect lives and property. Median salary in Madison: $58K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$58K
per year
Take-home: $38K

Salary range in Madison

Entry level (25th)$42,000
Median (50th)$58,000
Senior (75th)$78,000
Top earner (90th)$102,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Madison, Wisconsin. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Madison

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

Rent eats 48% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Madison ($1,500/mo) consumes approximately 48% of an after-tax median Firefighter salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($78K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Primarily on-site role

Only 0% of Firefighter positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Madison salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Madison

Median salary
$58K
annual
Take-home pay
$38K
after fed/state tax
COL index
102
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.3%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,500
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Madison Firefighter to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $58K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Madison

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Firefighter salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$49K$53K$58K$62K$66K201920212023202520272029
2026
$59K
projected
2027
$61K
projected
2028
$62K
projected
2029
$64K
projected
2030
$66K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$58,000+$0
2028 projected$58,000+$0
2029 projected$58,000+$0
2030 projected$58,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Firefighter Salary in Madison, Wisconsin: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Firefighter salary in Madison, WI is $58,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Madison–WI metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Firefighter in Madison

Entry-level Firefighters in Madison with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $42,000 and $58,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $58,000 to $78,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $78,000 to $102,000 or more.

Cost of living in Madison for Firefighters

Madison has a cost of living index of 102 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Madison are close to the national average. Wisconsin has a 5.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Firefighter

Fire academy; EMT certification; civil service exam. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Firefighter salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Madison (current)$58K102
Milwaukee$56K90
Green Bay$51K88
Kenosha$52K90