Firefighter Salary UK 2026
UK firefighter salaries are set through the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Authorities' Fire and Rescue Services. Competent firefighters earn £37,066; senior officers can earn £60,000 or more.
Firefighter Salary Pay Scale 2026
| Grade / Rank | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee Firefighter | £26,000 – £28,000 | Development period, probationary |
| Firefighter — Development | £32,244 | During NJC competency programme |
| Firefighter — Competent | £37,066 | Fully qualified wholetime rate |
| Crew Manager | £38,000 – £42,000 | Watch supervision, 2–4 FFs |
| Watch Manager | £42,000 – £48,000 | Watch command, operational lead |
| Station Manager | £48,000 – £62,000 | Station responsibility |
| Group/Area Manager | £60,000 – £85,000+ | Strategic/senior leadership |
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), NHS Agenda for Change 2026, sector salary surveys and advertised vacancy data. Figures are estimates; individual salaries vary.
About Firefighter Salary Pay
Wholetime (full-time) firefighters' pay is set nationally by the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Authorities' Fire and Rescue Services, which negotiates between employers (Fire Authorities) and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). Pay scales apply nationally, with some Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) offering London weighting or regional supplements.
On-call (retained) firefighters are paid differently — they receive a retaining fee (typically £2,500–£4,500 per year) plus payments per call-out, training session and hour worked. A retained firefighter attending a moderate number of incidents and drills might earn £8,000–£15,000 in addition to another job. Some FRSs are moving to pay higher retainer rates to attract and retain retained staff in rural areas.
UK firefighters typically work a shift system — most wholetime FRSs operate a four-watch rota, working two day shifts (9:00–18:00) and two night shifts (18:00–09:00) followed by four days off. Overtime and specialist roles (HazMat, Urban Search and Rescue, Technical Rescue) attract additional pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do firefighters earn in the UK?
Fully competent wholetime firefighters in England and Wales earn £37,066 per year on the national NJC scale. Trainee firefighters earn approximately £26,000–£28,000 during their development period. Crew Managers earn £38,000–£42,000, Watch Managers £42,000–£48,000, and Station Managers £48,000–£62,000.
What do retained (on-call) firefighters earn?
Retained firefighters receive a retaining fee (typically £2,500–£4,500/year) plus payments for each call-out, training session and hour on the incident. A retained firefighter attending regular incidents and weekly training might earn £8,000–£15,000 per year in addition to their primary employment. Exact rates vary by Fire and Rescue Service.
Do firefighters receive pensions?
Yes. Firefighters belong to the Firefighters' Pension Scheme (FPS), one of the most valuable public sector pensions in the UK. The reformed 2015 scheme is a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme. Members contribute 8.5–14.5% of their salary; employers contribute approximately 26%. The pension provides a guaranteed income in retirement linked to career average earnings.