Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in Vermont, all employers Sourced
Firefighters (SOC 33-2011) in Vermont, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | VT |
|---|---|
| Workers | Not published |
| 10th percentile | $29,790 |
| Median | $46,430 |
| 90th percentile | $77,200 |
| 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 Vermont
State employees: State public safety
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VSERS Group C (state law enforcement) Group C | 2.5% | Age 55 (mandatory retirement at 57 for Department of Public Safety police) | 10.03% | Covered |
Local employees: Local police and firefighters
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System (Groups A, B, C, D) Group A (default) or Group B/C/D by employer election or collective bargaining | 1.4% | Group A: age 65 with 5 years, or age 55 with 35 years | Set by the employer | Varies |
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 Vermont pension plans list.
Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.
Employers in Vermont
25 fire departments in Vermont, largest Burlington Fire Department, VT Air National Guard/BIAP Fire Department, South Burlington Fire/EMS & Special Operations Department.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), National Fire Department Registry. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Free practice tests for Vermont
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 Vermont
Vermont government jobs · Vermont public pension plans · police officer standards in Vermont · exam practice in Vermont