Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in New York, all employers Sourced
Firefighters (SOC 33-2011) in New York, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | NY |
|---|---|
| Workers | 12,950 |
| 10th percentile | $56,390 |
| Median | $100,960 |
| 90th percentile | $106,440 |
| 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 New York
State employees: State public safety
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYSLRS Police and Fire Retirement System - Tier 6 PFRS Tier 6 | — | special plans: required 20 or 25 years of service at any age | Set by the employer | Not stated |
Local employees: Local police and firefighters
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYSLRS Police and Fire Retirement System - Tier 6 PFRS Tier 6 | — | special plans: required 20 or 25 years of service at any age | Set by the employer | Not stated |
The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. 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 New York pension plans list.
Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.
Employers in New York
147 fire departments in New York, largest Fire Department City of New York (FDNY), Buffalo Fire Department, Rochester Fire Department.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), National Fire Department Registry. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Free practice tests for New York
FDNY Firefighter Exam (NYC DCAS Exam No. 4044)New York 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 New York
New York government jobs · New York public pension plans · police officer standards in New York · exam practice in New York