Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in Illinois, all employers Sourced
Firefighters (SOC 33-2011) in Illinois, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | IL |
|---|---|
| Workers | 18,400 |
| 10th percentile | $38,900 |
| Median | $78,380 |
| 90th percentile | $106,060 |
| National median, government employers | $60,050 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pension in Illinois
State employees: State public safety
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERS Tier 2 alternative formula - DOC/DJJ security employees and state firefighters (coordinated) Tier 2 alternative formula (covered by Social Security) | 2.5% | age 60 with 20 years of alternative-formula service | 8.5% | Covered |
Local employees: the general plan
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund - Tier 2 Regular Plan Tier 2 Regular | — | age 67 with 10 years of service | 4.5% | Varies |
The statewide plan a new hire usually joins; where a general plan is shown, some police and fire employers run their own safety plans. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the Illinois pension plans list.
Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.
Employers in Illinois
371 fire departments in Illinois, largest Chicago Fire Department, Rockford Fire Department, Joliet Fire Department.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), National Fire Department Registry. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Free practice tests for Illinois
Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Firefighter/EMT ExaminationIllinois exam · free on Open Exam Prep- National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI)Practice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - EMT CertificationPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter I Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter II Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness-Level Responder CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NTN FireTEAM Firefighter Entry-Level ExamPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.
More about this job
Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Firefighter page.
Firefighter in other states
More government jobs in Illinois
Illinois government jobs · Illinois public pension plans · police officer standards in Illinois · exam practice in Illinois