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How much does a Incident Commander make?

The average salary for a Incident Commander is $102,594 per year in the US.

An Incident Commander plays a crucial role in managing emergency situations. This job often involves coordinating with various teams to ensure a swift and effective response. The average yearly salary for an Incident Commander stands at $102,594. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.


The salary range for Incident Commanders can be quite broad. At the lower end, some earn around $40,440 per year. As experience and skills grow, salaries can reach up to $207,906 annually. This wide range reflects the importance of the role and the potential for career growth. Incident Commanders who take on leadership roles or specialize in high-risk areas may see higher earnings.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Incident Commander?

Job seekers looking for Incident Commander roles can find some of the highest salaries in Salem, Oregon. This city offers an average salary of $187,721. Chicago, Illinois, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, follow closely with average salaries of $122,614 and $117,958, respectively. Other cities with competitive salaries include Washington, DC, Austin, TX, and San Francisco, CA. These cities offer a range of opportunities for those seeking to advance their careers in incident command.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Incident Commander jobs, highlighting Salem, OR with the highest at $187,721 and Phoenix, AZ with the lowest at $81,110.
  1. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $187,721
    In Salem, leading emergency response teams is a critical role. Companies like Salem Health and the Oregon National Guard offer opportunities to manage crises effectively. The city's focus on public safety makes it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Salem, OR


  2. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $122,614
    Chicago offers a dynamic environment for those in emergency management. With major companies like the Chicago Fire Department and the American Red Cross, professionals can make a significant impact. The city's diverse population requires adaptable and skilled leaders.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $117,958
    Minneapolis provides a stable setting for emergency management. Employers such as the Minneapolis Fire Department and Allina Health value strong leadership. The city's commitment to public safety creates a supportive work environment.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $108,132
    In Washington, DC, managing incidents is a key responsibility. Agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security offer exciting opportunities. The city's political landscape demands quick and effective decision-making.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $104,764
    Austin is a vibrant city for emergency management. Companies such as the Austin Fire Department and Dell Technologies need skilled leaders. The city's fast growth and tech-driven economy require innovative solutions to emergencies.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Austin, TX


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $89,932
    San Francisco offers a unique setting for emergency response. With employers like the San Francisco Fire Department and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, professionals can thrive. The city's diverse challenges need adaptable and experienced leaders.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $88,247
    Boston provides a rich environment for emergency management. Employers such as the Boston Fire Department and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency offer rewarding opportunities. The city's history and culture create a unique backdrop for crisis management.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $81,781
    Raleigh offers a supportive environment for emergency response. Companies like the Raleigh Police Department and the North Carolina Emergency Management Agency need skilled leaders. The city's growing population and tech industry require effective emergency planning.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Raleigh, NC


  9. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $81,514
    Charlotte provides a stable setting for emergency management. Employers such as the Charlotte Fire Department and Duke Energy offer exciting opportunities. The city's rapid growth and diverse community need strong and adaptable leaders.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Charlotte, NC


  10. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $81,110
    Phoenix offers a dynamic environment for emergency response. Companies like the Phoenix Fire Department and the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs need skilled leaders. The city's hot climate and diverse population create unique challenges for emergency management.
    Find Incident Commander jobs in Phoenix, AZ

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

Travis County offers one of the highest salaries for Incident Commanders, with an average of $88,273. Washington State Patrol and the State of Washington also provide competitive pay, averaging $80,353 and $75,234, respectively. Allied Universal, Surefox North America, Flexential, and Securitas offer salaries ranging from $62,857 to $38,529.
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 $38,529.
  1. Travis County
    Average Salary: $88,273
    Travis County offers rewarding Incident Commander roles with a focus on public safety and emergency response. The county operates across multiple locations, including Austin, the state capital, and surrounding areas. Employees work to ensure the safety and security of the community.


  2. Washington State Patrol
    Average Salary: $80,353
    The Washington State Patrol provides Incident Commander positions that focus on highway safety and emergency management. This role is critical in managing incidents and ensuring public safety. The company operates throughout the state of Washington, with a strong presence in urban and rural areas.


  3. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $75,234
    The State of Washington offers Incident Commander jobs with a focus on emergency management and public safety. These roles are vital in coordinating responses to natural disasters and other emergencies. The state operates across various locations, including major cities like Seattle and Spokane.


  4. Allied Universal
    Average Salary: $62,857
    Allied Universal provides Incident Commander positions that focus on security and emergency response. The company operates nationwide, offering diverse opportunities in different regions. Employees work to ensure safety and security in various settings.


  5. Surefox North America
    Average Salary: $60,926
    Surefox North America offers Incident Commander roles that focus on cybersecurity and emergency response. The company operates in major cities across the United States, providing critical services to protect against cyber threats. Employees work to safeguard critical infrastructure.


  6. Flexential
    Average Salary: $56,269
    Flexential provides Incident Commander positions that focus on data center management and emergency response. The company operates in key locations across the United States, offering opportunities to ensure the safety and security of data centers.


  7. Securitas
    Average Salary: $38,529
    Securitas offers Incident Commander roles that focus on security services and emergency response. The company operates in various locations, providing essential services to protect businesses and individuals. Employees work to ensure safety and security in diverse environments.

How to earn more as a Incident Commander?

Becoming a top-earning Incident Commander involves a blend of experience, skills, and strategic career moves. Incident Commanders lead emergency response teams, ensuring safety and effective crisis management. To earn more in this role, focus on enhancing your qualifications and experience. This can include gaining certifications, such as the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) credentials. These certifications demonstrate a deep understanding of emergency management principles and practices.

Another key factor is gaining experience in various types of incidents. Working with different scenarios, such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, and public health emergencies, builds a versatile skill set. This experience makes an Incident Commander more valuable to employers. Networking with other professionals in the field can also open up higher-paying opportunities. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in community events can lead to new job prospects. Finally, pursuing advanced degrees or specialized training in emergency management can significantly boost earning potential.

A list of factors to consider for earning more as an Incident Commander includes:

  • Obtain relevant certifications
  • Gain diverse incident experience
  • Network with industry professionals
  • Pursue advanced education or training
  • Seek leadership roles within organizations

Currently 132 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
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Incident Commander
132 Job Openings