Many people wonder if volunteer firefighters get paid and why they serve voluntarily. In truth, volunteer firefighters serve their communities by voluntarily offering their services and contributions. The fire department does not provide them with financial compensation.
But, if they receive compensation, it usually comes as yearly bonuses or little stipends. However, volunteer firefighters may be eligible for tax refunds in some locations based on the number of hours they complete.
If you are in California, North Carolina, Texas, or any part of the 50 states and are curious to know whether volunteer firefighters get paid, this article is for you.
Our Take
- How Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid?
- What Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid?
- How Much Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid?
- Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid in Texas?
- Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid in California?
- How Much Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid in North Carolina?
- Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid? (FAQs)
- Bottom Line
How Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid?
Depending on the location and rules of the department. Volunteer firefighters get “Paid-On-Call” and page outs, called the Run Money, ranging from $7-$20. In other words, you will receive the federal minimum wage for one hour if you answer a call.
After that, you will be paid the federal minimum wage for each hour you spend on the call. However, your pay count stops when you leave that location or stop volunteering.
In addition, you receive payment for the required 4-hour training session, which usually takes place on Wednesdays.
What Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid?
Volunteer firefighters do not get paid; although some are, the pay is often a small sum per call rather than an hourly wage. From department to department, this differs significantly. Many work for free only to better their communities and assist others.
Although stipend rates differ, volunteer firefighters may get a stipend or other compensation to cover transportation, training, and equipment. The amount of payment and reimbursement varies by state and location and is frequently set by the policy of the fire department or organization they serve.
How Much Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid?
According to the salary and job review website ZipRecruiter, as of January 12, 2024, the average hourly wage for a volunteer firefighter in the US is $19.23.
Most volunteer firefighters presently make between $16.11 and $27.40 per hour, with the lowest hourly income being $8.65. Even with numerous years of experience, this shows few prospects for higher wages or growth, regardless of location.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Cities for Volunteer Firefighter Jobs
Below are the top 10 highest paying cities for volunteer firefighters jobs in the United States.
| City | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | $48,254 | $23.20 |
| Federal Way, WA | $47,523 | $22.85 |
| Washington, DC | $47,437 | $22.81 |
| San Francisco, CA | $46,640 | $22.42 |
| Mountain View, CA | $46,484 | $22.35 |
| San Jose, CA | $45,495 | $21.87 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $45,458 | $21.85 |
| Marysville, WA | $45,450 | $21.85 |
| Green River, WY | $45,259 | $21.76 |
| Tracy, CA | $45,085 | $21.68 |
Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid in Texas?
Volunteer firefighters in Texas are paid quarterly, with $25.00 being granted for each call and training session completed. Worker’s compensation insurance protects volunteers in addition to a pension plan through the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS) to boost their livelihoods and that of their families.
Requirements For Volunteers in Texas
If you want to be a volunteer in Texas, you should meet the following requirements.
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid TX driver’s license
- High school diploma or GED
- Vision correctable to 20/20
- Complete a criminal history check
- Complete our entrance agility examination
- Complete the interview process
- Firefighter Introductory Certified within one year
- Obtain a Class B exempt TX driver’s license
- Become certified as an EMT within two years
- Attend 25% of emergency callouts
- Attend 50% of scheduled training/drill
Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid in California?
Yes, volunteer firefighters in California are paid. In truth, the California workers’ compensation system provides payments to employees and eligible volunteers who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses. Volunteer firefighters are among those who are eligible.
Volunteer firefighters are treated equally as workers under California law. So, a volunteer firefighter is injured while performing job-related duties. In that case, they may be eligible for medical treatment, disability benefits, and all other benefits available to regular employees in California, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and any necessary rehabilitation costs.
How Much Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid in North Carolina?
As of January 11, 2024, the average hourly wage for a Volunteer Firefighter in North Carolina is $15.78 (ZipRecruiter).
In North Carolina, the average salary range for a volunteer firefighter varies a little at $4.81; even with numerous years of experience, this shows few prospects for higher wages or growth, regardless of location within North Carolina.
Do Volunteer Firefighters Get Paid? (FAQs)
Which city in North Carolina has the highest pay for firefighters?
| Raleigh | $62,570 (Annually) | $5,214 (Monthly) |
How much does a volunteer firefighter earn in New York City?
The average hourly wage for a Volunteer Firefighter in New York City is $19.47.
Where do firefighters get paid the most?
San Rafael, CA. $119,870 per year.
Bottom Line
The best answer to this frequently asked question is that it is against the law to give a volunteer firefighter a salary or hourly rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
According to the FLSA, if an employee is paid by the hour, they must be paid the minimum wage and an overtime rate if their hours surpass a specified threshold.
The FLSA considers hourly workers to be employees rather than volunteers.
