What is the typical firefighter salary in Australia?

Firefighter pay is set by the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020. For a qualified firefighter in the public sector, the total weekly rate including shift and average hours loading is $1,607.97, or $42.32 per hour. This gives an annual salary of approximately $83,624 for 38 hours per week. Private sector rates are lower, with a minimum hourly rate of $29.45 for a qualified firefighter, plus a 30% shift loading where applicable.

How is firefighter pay calculated?

Firefighter pay is based on a 38-hour ordinary working week, averaged over up to 8 weeks. Public sector employees receive a total weekly rate that includes a 30% shift loading and an average 40 hours loading (equivalent to 2 hours of overtime per week). Private sector employees get a minimum weekly rate plus shift loading. Overtime is paid at double time for all hours worked beyond ordinary hours, and at 250% on public holidays for day workers.

Does the firefighter salary include superannuation?

No, superannuation is paid on top of the base salary. Under the award, employers must contribute at least the super guarantee rate, which is 12% of ordinary earnings from 1 July 2026, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a qualified firefighter earning $83,624, the super contribution would be about $10,035 per year, paid into the employee's nominated fund.

Firefighter Salary Australia: Award Rates, Hourly Pay, and Annual Earnings Explained

A qualified firefighter in the public sector earns $42.32 per hour under the Fire Fighting Industry Award, equating to about $83,624 per year based on 38 ordinary hours per week.

Understanding the Firefighter Salary Australia

If you are researching a firefighter salary Australia, the most reliable source is the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020, published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award sets minimum pay rates for both public and private sector firefighters, including classifications from Recruit to Senior Station Officer. The rates are updated annually, with the latest figures applying from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

For a qualified firefighter in the public sector, the total weekly rate is $1,607.97, which already includes a 30% shift loading and an average 40 hours loading. This works out to an hourly rate of $42.32 based on 38 ordinary hours per week. Private sector qualified firefighters have a lower minimum hourly rate of $29.45, but they also receive a 30% shift loading when working shiftwork, bringing their ordinary hourly rate to $38.29.

How the Hourly to Annual Conversion Works

The standard formula for converting an hourly rate to an annual salary is:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time firefighter under the award, the ordinary hours are 38 per week. So for a public sector qualified firefighter:

$42.32 × 38 × 52 = $83,624.32 per year

This assumes the same rate every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances beyond those already included in the hourly figure. The award allows wages to be paid fortnightly, so a typical fortnightly gross pay would be:

$42.32 × 38 × 2 = $3,216.32

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

It is important to distinguish the National Minimum Wage from award rates. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. However, firefighters are covered by a specific award that sets higher minimum rates. For example, a Recruit firefighter in the public sector starts at $1,005.10 per week (the same as the minimum wage), but after training, the rates increase significantly.

Casual loading is generally not applicable to firefighters, as they are typically employed on a permanent full-time or part-time basis. The award does provide for part-time employment, with pro-rata entitlements.

Superannuation and Tax

Superannuation is paid on top of your base salary. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) into a super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a qualified firefighter earning $83,624, the super contribution would be approximately $10,035 per year.

When it comes to tax, the 2026–27 resident tax rates apply:

Nil tax on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus, the Medicare levy of 2% applies to most taxpayers. For a $83,624 annual salary, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be around $17,200, leaving a take-home pay of about $66,400 per year, or $2,554 per fortnight. These figures are estimates and do not account for HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

To see your own figures, visit the timesheet. Enter your base hourly rate, and if you are a casual employee, check the box to add 25% casual loading on top. The calculator will show your annual gross pay, fortnightly pay, estimated tax, Medicare, and super. Remember that the annual figure assumes 38 hours per week unless you adjust the hours. For award-covered employees like firefighters, the 38-hour week is standard.

For more detailed pay guides, refer to the pay guides section, which summarises minimum rates for each award. You can also check the minimum wage page for the latest national rates, or the take-home pay page for after-tax estimates.

Key Takeaways

The firefighter salary Australia is governed by the Fire Fighting Industry Award, with public sector qualified firefighters earning $42.32 per hour ($83,624 per year).
The award includes shift loadings and an average 40 hours loading in the public sector total rate.
Superannuation is paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings.
Tax and Medicare levy reduce gross pay; use the calculator for personalised estimates.

Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman for the most current award rates, and consult the Australian Taxation Office for your individual tax situation.