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How much does a First Responder make?

The average salary for a First Responder is $52,420 per year in the US.

First responders play a crucial role in our communities. They ensure safety and provide aid during emergencies. These brave individuals work in various fields, including police, fire, and emergency medical services. Each job has its own salary range.

According to recent data, the average yearly salary for a first responder is around $52,420. This figure covers a broad range of positions. Police officers earn an average of $39,365. Firefighters have an average salary of $46,548. Emergency medical technicians make about $53,731 on average. The highest earners in this field, such as paramedics, can make up to $68,096 per year. These numbers show how diverse and rewarding first responder careers can be.

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What are the highest paying cities for a First Responder?

Cities with high-paying First Responder jobs include Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA. In these locations, First Responders earn above-average salaries, making them attractive for professionals in these roles. For instance, Seattle offers an average salary of $90,854, while San Jose provides $71,932. These figures highlight the potential for better financial returns in certain cities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for First Responder jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $90,854 and Miami, FL with the lowest at $27,268.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $90,854
    In Seattle, joining the emergency services provides a chance to work with some of the best organizations, including the Seattle Fire Department. The city's diverse landscape and tech-driven environment demand quick, efficient responses. Residents can rely on well-equipped, dedicated professionals to handle emergencies.
    Find First Responder jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $71,932
    San Jose offers a dynamic environment for emergency responders. Working alongside the San Jose Fire Department, professionals face unique challenges. The tech industry's presence requires specialized skills, making the job both challenging and rewarding. The community values their quick, effective responses.
    Find First Responder jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $52,859
    Albuquerque provides a rewarding experience for those in emergency services. The Albuquerque Fire Rescue Department offers a chance to serve a community that deeply appreciates their work. The city's unique blend of urban and natural environments presents varied challenges. Teamwork and dedication are key in this role.
    Find First Responder jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  4. Evansville, IN
    Average Salary: $41,702
    In Evansville, working as part of the emergency services means being part of a close-knit community. The Evansville Fire Department offers a chance to make a real difference. The city's smaller size allows for strong community ties, ensuring that every call is met with a personal touch. Teamwork and reliability are highly valued.
    Find First Responder jobs in Evansville, IN


  5. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $27,268
    Miami offers a vibrant setting for emergency responders. Working with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue provides a chance to handle diverse situations. The city's high population density and tourist traffic require quick, efficient responses. Professionals in Miami play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and peace of mind.
    Find First Responder jobs in Miami, FL

What are the best companies a First Responder can work for?

Job seekers looking for top-paying roles in the First Responder field should consider opportunities with Thurston Mason BH-ASO, which offers an average salary of nearly $93,000. Nexus Family Healing provides another attractive option with an average salary of approximately $51,000. For those seeking competitive compensation, Resources for Human Development also offers a respectable average salary around $50,000. These companies provide not only attractive pay but also valuable career opportunities in essential roles. Allied Universal and RHA Health Services, LLC follow closely behind with average salaries in the $50,000 range, offering stability and growth potential. Opportunities with On-Site Health & Safety, Choices Coordinated Care Solutions, and Elevate CCBHC also provide competitive salaries, making them worth considering for those in the First Responder field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for First Responder jobs, highlighting Thurston Mason BH-ASO with the highest at $92,920 and MCT EXPRESS INC with the lowest at $25,000.
  1. Thurston Mason BH-ASO
    Average Salary: $92,920
    Thurston Mason BH-ASO offers rewarding roles in various locations. As a First Responder, you’ll make a difference in community mental health services. They operate across different states, providing various mental health care options.


  2. Nexus Family Healing
    Average Salary: $51,289
    Nexus Family Healing provides essential services for children and families. They focus on mental health and substance abuse. As a First Responder, you can help people in critical moments. They have locations in several states.


  3. Resources for Human Development
    Average Salary: $50,781
    Resources for Human Development supports individuals with disabilities. They offer a variety of programs to help people live independently. Working here as a First Responder means aiding those with special needs. They serve multiple areas across the country.


  4. Allied Universal
    Average Salary: $50,591
    Allied Universal provides security and emergency response services. As a First Responder, you’ll ensure safety in various settings. They operate nationwide, offering job opportunities in many locations.


  5. RHA Health Services, LLC
    Average Salary: $46,273
    RHA Health Services, LLC focuses on healthcare for individuals with disabilities. They offer many programs to help people thrive. Working here means providing vital support. They have locations in several states.


  6. On-Site Health & Safety
    Average Salary: $40,000
    On-Site Health & Safety offers occupational health services. As a First Responder, you’ll ensure workplace safety. They provide services in many areas across the country.


  7. Choices Coordinated Care Solutions
    Average Salary: $38,000
    Choices Coordinated Care Solutions offers care management services. They support people with disabilities and special needs. Working here means helping individuals live better lives. They have several locations nationwide.


  8. Elevate CCBHC
    Average Salary: $37,080
    Elevate CCBHC provides mental health and substance abuse services. They focus on community care. As a First Responder, you’ll help people in need. They serve multiple areas across the country.


  9. Lakes Funeral Home and Cremation Services
    Average Salary: $29,244
    Lakes Funeral Home and Cremation Services offers compassionate care. They support families during difficult times. As a First Responder, you’ll provide essential services. They operate in specific locations across the state.


  10. MCT EXPRESS INC
    Average Salary: $25,000
    MCT EXPRESS INC provides transportation services. They ensure timely and safe transport. As a First Responder, you’ll play a key role in their operations. They have several locations across different states.

How to earn more as a First Responder?

First responders face unique challenges and responsibilities. They often put their lives at risk to protect others. Those in this field often wonder how to earn more. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase earnings. By taking certain steps, a first responder can improve their financial situation.

First, experience plays a big role in salary increases. More experienced responders often earn more. Gaining experience can lead to promotions. These positions usually come with higher pay. Second, additional certifications can open up higher-paying opportunities. Certifications in areas like advanced cardiac life support or hazardous materials handling can make a responder more valuable. Third, specialization can lead to higher pay. Focusing on a specific area, such as aviation or dive rescue, can create demand for these skills. Fourth, working in high-need areas can also increase earnings. Urban areas or regions with shortages of responders may offer higher wages. Finally, negotiating salaries during hiring or performance reviews can lead to better pay. Showing the value a responder brings to the team can lead to raises or bonuses.

Taking these steps can help first responders increase their earnings. Building experience, gaining certifications, specializing, working in high-need areas, and negotiating salaries all play a role. These efforts can lead to a more rewarding financial situation.

  1. Gain experience to earn more.
  2. Get additional certifications.
  3. Specialize in high-demand skills.
  4. Work in areas with responder shortages.
  5. Negotiate salaries for better pay.

Currently 106 First Responder job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a First Responder in the US?

Learn what a First Responder does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a First Responder today.
Position
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First Responder
106 Job Openings