Back Next

COMPENSATION

As a public safety professional there are varied forms of compensation within the fire service. Forms of compensation include salary, retirement, deferred compensation, medical coverage for yourself and/or your dependents, and uniform reimbursement.

Salary ranges in the fire service vary greatly from one department to another and from one position to another. As a recruit going into the academy you will be compensated at a minimal level. Once you have successfully completed your training you will receive a wage increase/promotion to probationary fire fighter while you fulfill your probationary period.

After your probationary period is complete you are assigned a classification of fire fighter. In any given employee classification there are generally 5 steps in the pay ladder, with higher steps being awarded through seniority and evaluations. Compensation amounts vary from one step to another.

401K employer matched contribution type program; such as PERS - City - County

An option to defer a portion of your income and lower your current level of taxable income.

Health, dental and vision insurance; a cafeteria type plan which gives you the option of saving money specifically to cover non-covered health care costs. Other plans pay all your medical needs regardless if you are single or have 10 dependents.

Reimbursement for purchase and maintenance of required uniforms.

Beneficiary designated benefits payable in the event of accidental death and/or dismemberment.

LONG AND SHORT TERM DISABILITY

Can be arranged for injuries/disability on or off the job.

Union/association membership may or may not be mandatory depending upon where you are hired. Be aware that these organizations do exist and are often a factor in setting compensation and working condition parameters.