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Firefighter Salary in Sydney

Public Safety

Firefighters respond to fires and emergencies, protecting lives and property.

Average Salary
$90,200
per year
Take-Home Pay
$70,548
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$68-121k
$90K
$68K$121K

Job Market Outlook

Low AI Risk

Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential

Balanced

Job supply roughly matches candidate availability

+6% growth

Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Firefighter Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Sydney

Based on the average Firefighter salary of $90,200 in Sydney, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$90,200$90,200
Income Tax-$17,848-$17,848
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,804-$1,804
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$3,157
Superannuation (11%)+$9,922+$9,922
Annual Take-Home$70,548$67,391
Monthly Take-Home$5,879$5,616
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,713$2,592

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$90,000
Take-home$70,548
Tax-$17,848
Super+$9,922

How to Become a Firefighter

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Firefighter in New South Wales.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Year 12 or equivalent education
  • Current driver's license
  • High level of physical fitness
  • Pass rigorous recruitment process
Preferred Qualifications
  • Trade qualification or tertiary education
  • First aid certification
  • Volunteer firefighting experience
Relevant Certifications
Recruit firefighter training (provided)Firefighter certificationHazmat technician

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$72KEntry$90KMid$104KSenior$122KLead
Entry Level

Recruit Firefighter

$72,160
estimated in Sydney
0-2 years
Mid Level

Firefighter

$90,200
estimated in Sydney
2-7 years
Senior Level

Senior Firefighter

$103,730
estimated in Sydney
7-12 years
Leadership

Station Officer / Commander

$121,770
estimated in Sydney
12+ years

Skills in Demand

Technical rescueHazmat responseCommunity educationLeadershipEmergency medical response

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1Maintain excellent physical fitness before applying
  2. 2Volunteer firefighting provides valuable experience
  3. 3Recruitment is highly competitive - prepare well
  4. 4Consider aviation or industrial firefighting as alternatives
  5. 5Develop leadership skills for promotion opportunities

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Firefighter Hourly Rate in Sydney

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$35/hr
Average
$46/hr
Senior
$61/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter earn in Sydney?

The average Firefighter salary in Sydney is $90,200 per year, or approximately $46 per hour. Salaries range from $68,200 to $121,000 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Firefighter in Sydney?

A Firefighter earning $90,200 in Sydney takes home approximately $70,548 per year after tax, or $5,879 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $67,391 per year.

How much do Firefighters make per hour in Sydney?

Firefighters in Sydney earn approximately $46 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $35/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $61/hour.

Is Sydney a good place to work as a Firefighter?

Sydney offers Firefighter salaries among the highest in Australia at $90,200. The city has a cost of living index of 100 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are similar to Sydney.

About Firefighter Salaries in Sydney

The average Firefighter in Sydney, New South Wales earns $90,200 per year, or approximately $46 per hour. Salaries typically range from $68,200 for entry-level positions to $121,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Firefighter earning the average salary in Sydney can expect to take home approximately $70,548 per year, or $5,879 per month.

Sydney is home to approximately 5.3 million people and has a cost of living index of 100 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Sydney are similar to Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Firefighter Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $68,200, while senior roles can reach $121,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Firefighter roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Sydney's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Firefighters earn $$35-$61 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.