How to Become a Firefighters in Arizona
Firefighters in Arizona earn a median salary of $58,650/year, which is 1% below the national average. Arizona has a state income tax of ~2.5%. After taxes and rent, a firefighters takes home approximately $2,563/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.
What a firefighters can afford in Arizona
Becoming a firefighters in Arizona
Meet education requirements
Firefighters positions in Arizona typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Arizona. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves long-term on-the-job training in Arizona. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Arizona licensure or certification
Arizona may require specific licensing or professional certification for firefighterss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Arizona Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Arizona
Arizona employs 6,870 firefighters. The highest concentrations are in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler and Flagstaff.
Firefighters salary by metro area in Arizona
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | $62K | $29.64/hr | 3,900 |
| Flagstaff | $59K | $28.21/hr | 330 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman | $51K | $24.61/hr | 350 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas | $51K | $24.47/hr | 160 |
| Yuma | $51K | $24.35/hr | 250 |
| Tucson | $49K | $23.33/hr | 760 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott | $47K | $22.71/hr | 370 |
Firefighters salary range in Arizona
Firefighters careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighters make in Arizona?▼
The median firefighters salary in Arizona is $58,650 per year ($28.2/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $59,530. Salaries range from $36,650 to $79,780.
What are the requirements to become a firefighters in Arizona?▼
Firefighters positions in Arizona typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Arizona may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Arizona licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a firefighters afford to live in Arizona?▼
At the median salary of $58,650, a firefighters in Arizona would take home approximately $3,975/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 35.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for firefighters in Arizona?▼
The highest paying metro areas for firefighters in Arizona are Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler ($61,640), Flagstaff ($58,690), Lake Havasu City-Kingman ($51,180). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Arizona have state income tax for firefighters?▼
Yes, Arizona has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.5%. On a $58,650 salary, this means roughly $1,466/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.