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How much does a Incident Commander make?

The average salary for a Incident Commander is $106,610 per year in the US.

An Incident Commander plays a crucial role in managing emergency situations. This job often requires a lot of experience and responsibility. The average yearly salary for an Incident Commander is around $106,610. This salary can change based on experience, location, and the type of organization.

The salary for Incident Commanders can vary widely. The lowest 10% earn about $42,360 a year. The highest 10% earn more than $211,500. Most Incident Commanders fall somewhere in the middle. For example, the 25th percentile earns about $57,736, while the 75th percentile earns around $165,371. This range shows that with more experience and skills, the salary can increase significantly.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Incident Commander?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Incident Commander roles should consider Salem, OR, where the average salary stands at $196,487. Chicago, IL, and Minneapolis, MN, follow closely with average salaries of $119,261 and $117,483, respectively. These cities offer competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Incident Commander jobs, highlighting Salem, OR with the highest at $196,487 and Miami, FL with the lowest at $60,521.
  1. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $196,487
    In Salem, leading emergency response teams is a critical role. Companies like Salem Health and the Oregon National Guard offer opportunities to manage and coordinate disaster response. The city's focus on public safety makes it a rewarding place for professionals in this field.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Salem, OR


  2. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $119,261
    Chicago offers a dynamic environment for managing incidents. With major organizations like the Chicago Fire Department and the American Red Cross, professionals here play a key role in city safety. The city's diverse challenges provide a rich learning experience.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $117,483
    Minneapolis is known for its proactive approach to public safety. Working with companies like the Minneapolis Police Department and Allina Health, professionals here ensure effective emergency management. The city's commitment to community safety makes it an ideal place for this career.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $106,203
    In Washington, DC, managing incidents involves coordinating with federal agencies. The U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security offer key roles. The city's political and cultural landscape provides a unique setting for emergency management.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $104,764
    Austin offers a vibrant environment for emergency management. With companies like the Austin Fire Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, professionals here manage a variety of incidents. The city's growing tech industry adds to the diversity of challenges.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Austin, TX


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $91,121
    San Francisco is a hub for emergency response, with organizations like the San Francisco Fire Department and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Professionals here manage natural disasters and urban emergencies. The city's innovative spirit makes it an exciting place to work.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $88,247
    Boston offers a rich history of emergency management. Working with the Boston Emergency Medical Services and the Massachusetts National Guard, professionals here ensure public safety. The city's academic and medical institutions provide a strong support network.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $87,594
    Raleigh provides a supportive environment for emergency management. With companies like the Raleigh Police Department and the North Carolina Emergency Management, professionals here coordinate disaster response. The city's growing population adds to the complexity of their work.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Raleigh, NC


  9. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $79,904
    Charlotte offers a fast-paced environment for managing incidents. Working with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Duke Energy, professionals here ensure effective emergency response. The city's economic growth creates new challenges and opportunities.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Charlotte, NC


  10. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $60,521
    Miami is a key location for emergency management, with organizations like the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Professionals here manage hurricanes and other natural disasters. The city's diverse population adds to the complexity of their work.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Miami, FL

What are the best companies a Incident Commander can work for?

Travis County offers one of the highest salaries for Incident Commander jobs, averaging around $88,273. Washington State Patrol also provides a competitive salary, with an average of $81,942. Allied Universal follows closely, offering an average salary of $77,402. These companies recognize the importance of skilled Incident Commanders and reward them with attractive compensation packages. Job seekers can find rewarding opportunities with these employers, who value experience and leadership in emergency management.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Incident Commander jobs, highlighting Travis County with the highest at $88,273 and Securitas with the lowest at $50,873.
  1. Travis County
    Average Salary: $88,273
    Travis County offers rewarding Incident Commander jobs. They operate in Austin, Texas. Employees manage emergency response and ensure public safety.


  2. Washington State Patrol
    Average Salary: $81,942
    Washington State Patrol provides Incident Commander roles with a competitive salary. They serve across Washington. Employees lead emergency response teams and coordinate with law enforcement.


  3. Allied Universal
    Average Salary: $77,402
    Allied Universal offers Incident Commander positions with a strong salary. They operate nationwide. Employees manage security operations and ensure safety at events and facilities.


  4. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $75,341
    The State of Washington provides Incident Commander jobs with a solid salary. They serve across Washington. Employees lead emergency response efforts and coordinate with various agencies.


  5. Rural Metro
    Average Salary: $75,303
    Rural Metro offers Incident Commander roles with a good salary. They operate in multiple states. Employees manage emergency medical services and ensure quick response times.


  6. Surefox North America
    Average Salary: $60,361
    Surefox North America provides Incident Commander jobs with a decent salary. They operate in the United States. Employees manage security operations and ensure safety for clients.


  7. Flexential
    Average Salary: $55,421
    Flexential offers Incident Commander positions with a fair salary. They operate in major cities. Employees manage data center security and ensure operational safety.


  8. Securitas
    Average Salary: $50,873
    Securitas provides Incident Commander roles with a competitive salary. They operate globally. Employees manage security operations and ensure safety for clients in various locations.

How to earn more as a Incident Commander?

Becoming a top-performing Incident Commander can lead to higher earnings. This role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to manage complex situations. To enhance your earning potential, focus on the following key areas:

  • Experience: Gaining more experience in emergency management can lead to higher pay. Look for opportunities to work on diverse projects and in different environments.
  • Certifications: Earning certifications such as the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Incident Command System (ICS) credentials can boost your resume and salary.
  • Education: Pursuing advanced degrees in emergency management, public administration, or a related field can open up higher-paying positions.
  • Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations. Attend conferences and join professional organizations.
  • Performance: Demonstrating excellence in past roles can lead to promotions and higher pay. Keep track of your achievements and be ready to discuss them during interviews.

Focusing on these areas can help an Incident Commander earn more. Continuous learning and professional development are key to advancing in this career. Stay proactive and seek out opportunities to grow and excel.

Currently 134 Incident Commander job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Incident Commander in the US?

Learn what a Incident Commander does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Incident Commander today.
Position
Overview
Incident Commander
134 Job Openings