Position
Salary

How much does a Incident Commander make?

The average salary for a Incident Commander is $106,221 per year in the US.

Job seekers interested in a career as an Incident Commander can find a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary for this role stands at $106,221. This is a rewarding career choice, with many paths to higher pay. The salary distribution varies, showing that those at the beginning of their career can earn around $41,100 yearly.

As experience grows, so can income. The highest earners in this field can make over $200,000 a year. This shows that with dedication and skill, significant earnings are possible. The range in salaries offers many opportunities for those willing to invest their time and effort into this field. Understanding this salary data helps job seekers set realistic goals and prepare for their future in this field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Incident Commander?

Job seekers aiming for a role as an Incident Commander can find top-paying cities to be Salem, OR, and Riverside, CA, offering competitive salaries. The average salary in Salem reaches up to $198,012, while Riverside offers $150,282 per year. Cities like Chicago, Austin, and Washington, DC, also provide attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Incident Commander jobs, highlighting Salem, OR with the highest at $198,012 and Charlotte, NC with the lowest at $79,612.
  1. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $198,012
    Working as a leader in Salem allows for a blend of urban and natural settings. With major employers like the Oregon State Government, professionals manage critical operations. The city values public safety, making it a prime place for incident management.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Salem, OR


  2. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $150,282
    Riverside offers a vibrant environment for leaders in emergency services. Companies like Riverside County Department of Emergency Management provide ample opportunities. The city's focus on community safety enhances the role's significance.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Riverside, CA


  3. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $121,740
    Chicago's dynamic landscape offers leadership roles in top-tier organizations. With entities like the Chicago Police Department, professionals face diverse challenges daily. The city's large scale demands adept management skills.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $106,106
    Austin combines tech innovation with a growing urban area, offering unique challenges. Companies like the City of Austin Emergency Management look for skilled leaders. The city's fast growth means continuous learning and adaptation.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Austin, TX


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $105,600
    As the capital, Washington, DC, provides leadership roles with high visibility. Government agencies like FEMA offer significant responsibilities. The city's importance demands constant readiness and strong decision-making skills.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $93,544
    Boston's rich history and academic presence create a unique setting for leaders. Organizations like the Boston Fire Department offer critical roles. The city's diverse population adds complexity to emergency management.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Boston, MA


  7. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $89,865
    St. Louis offers a mix of urban and suburban settings, providing varied challenges. Companies like the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department offer robust opportunities. The region's diverse environment enriches the leadership experience.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in St. Louis, MO


  8. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $88,120
    Raleigh, known as the City of Oaks, provides a pleasant setting for leadership roles. With employers like the North Carolina Emergency Management, professionals contribute to community safety. The city's growth offers dynamic career opportunities.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Raleigh, NC


  9. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $87,750
    San Francisco's tech-driven economy and urban environment create unique challenges. Companies like the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management offer exciting roles. The city's innovation demands quick thinking and adaptability.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in San Francisco, CA


  10. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $79,612
    Charlotte, a rapidly growing city, offers a mix of urban and suburban leadership roles. Organizations like the City of Charlotte Emergency Management seek skilled professionals. The city's growth offers many opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Charlotte, NC

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

Peckham & McKenney leads the way for Incident Commander positions with an impressive average salary. This company offers top-tier compensation and benefits, making it an attractive option for experienced professionals. Next, Travis County and Washington State Patrol provide competitive pay, which reflects their commitment to employee satisfaction and development.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Incident Commander jobs, highlighting Peckham & McKenney with the highest at $243,976 and Flexential with the lowest at $54,669.
  1. Peckham & McKenney
    Average Salary: $243,976
    Peckham & McKenney offers one of the highest salaries for Incident Commanders. The company provides expertise in disaster recovery and risk management. They operate globally, with offices in major cities like New York, London, and Singapore.


  2. Travis County
    Average Salary: $83,427
    Travis County offers a competitive salary for Incident Commanders. This role involves ensuring public safety and managing emergency responses. They operate throughout Texas, with their main office in Austin.


  3. Washington State Patrol
    Average Salary: $82,275
    Washington State Patrol provides a solid salary for Incident Commanders. This role is crucial in managing statewide emergencies and ensuring public safety. They operate across Washington, with several regional offices.


  4. Rural Metro
    Average Salary: $80,635
    Rural Metro offers a good salary for Incident Commanders. This position involves leading emergency response teams. They serve communities in multiple states, including Arizona and Colorado.


  5. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $76,006
    The State of Washington offers a respectable salary for Incident Commanders. This role focuses on statewide emergency preparedness and response. They have offices in major cities like Seattle and Olympia.


  6. Surefox North America
    Average Salary: $59,078
    Surefox North America offers a fair salary for Incident Commanders. They focus on cybersecurity risk management. They operate across North America, with headquarters in Seattle, Washington.


  7. Flexential
    Average Salary: $54,669
    Flexential offers a competitive salary for Incident Commanders. This role is essential for ensuring data center safety and response readiness. They have locations throughout the United States, including major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.

How to earn more as a Incident Commander?

An Incident Commander plays a crucial role in managing emergencies and ensuring public safety. To earn more in this role, consider these factors. A higher salary often comes with experience and advanced certifications. Specialized training in disaster management or emergency response can set an Incident Commander apart. Leadership skills are key. Experience in managing large teams and coordinating complex operations can lead to higher earnings. Networking with other professionals in the field can open doors to higher-paying positions. Taking on additional responsibilities, such as strategic planning or policy development, can also boost earnings.

Investing in continuous education and staying updated with the latest industry trends is essential. Incident Commanders who pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications often see higher salaries. Being proactive in seeking out leadership roles and demonstrating effective problem-solving skills can also lead to better compensation. Collaboration with other departments and agencies can create opportunities for career advancement and increased pay.

Consider these factors to enhance earning potential as an Incident Commander. By focusing on education, experience, and leadership, job seekers can position themselves for higher salaries and career growth.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Gain advanced certifications
  2. Develop strong leadership skills
  3. Network with other professionals
  4. Take on additional responsibilities
  5. Invest in continuous education

Currently 179 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
179 Job Openings