Michigan Firefighter Salaries by Department
Starting pay at 19 Michigan fire departments, taken from the pay figures each department published in its own job postings over the last two years. Across 11 current Michigan listings with annual pay, the average starting salary is $61,867.
Highest recent entry-level starting pay in Michigan
- 1. Dearborn Fire Department $71,966 (FIREFIGHTER I, August 2026)
- 2. City of Royal Oak Fire Department $71,009 (Firefighter, May 2026)
- 3. Department Of Veterans Affairs Medical Center $65,141 (Firefighter, July 2026)
- 4. Emmett Township Department of Public Safety $65,141 (Firefighter, July 2026)
- 5. Auburn Hills Fire Department $62,358 (Firefighter Paramedic, August 2026)
All Michigan departments with posted pay
| Department | Starting pay posted | Top of range | Postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southfield Fire Department · Southfield | $57,208 to $62,929 | $96,419 | 3 |
| Oxford Fire Department · Oxford | $43,680 | $58,240 | 2 |
| Adrian Charter Township Fire Department · Adrian | $20,170 | $27,898 | 1 |
| Adrian Fire Department · Adrian | $20,170 | $27,898 | 1 |
| Allegan Fire District · Allegan | $20,170 | $27,898 | 1 |
| Allegan Township Fire Department · Allegan | $20,170 | $27,898 | 1 |
| Auburn Hills Fire Department · Auburn Hills | $62,358 | $89,074 | 1 |
| City of Royal Oak Fire Department · Royal Oak | $71,009 | $87,571 | 1 |
| Dearborn Fire Department · Dearborn | $71,966 | $92,511 | 1 |
| Department Of Veterans Affairs Medical Center · Battle Creek | $65,141 | $84,797 | 1 |
| Emmett Township Department of Public Safety · Battle Creek | $65,141 | $84,797 | 1 |
| Livonia Fire & Rescue · Livonia | $61,872 | $85,176 | 1 |
| Madison Township Fire Department · Adrian | $20,170 | $27,898 | 1 |
| Meridian Township Fire Department · Okemos | $60,156 | $86,987 | 1 |
| Redford Township Fire Department · Redford | $53,146 | Not listed | 1 |
| Sterling Heights Fire Department · Sterling Heights | $152,250 | $178,640 | 1 |
| Flint Fire Department · Flint | $15.91/hr | Not listed | 1 |
| Grand Haven Department of Public Safety · Grand Haven | $21.83/hr | Not listed | 1 |
| Romulus Fire Department · Romulus | $30.00/hr | Not listed | 1 |
Figures are as each department listed them in closed postings. Current openings show their pay to FireJobs members.