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The $74,626 Jump: Everything You Need To Know About The Chicago Fire Dept Salary And Massive 2025-2026 Pay Raise

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The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) salary structure is undergoing one of its most significant overhauls in years, driven by the approval of a new union contract that promises substantial pay increases for sworn personnel. As of late 2025 and heading into early 2026, the financial outlook for new recruits and veteran firefighters alike is exceptionally strong, making a career with the CFD a highly lucrative public service option. This detailed breakdown provides the most current figures and insights into the complete compensation package, including base pay, rank progression, and the comprehensive benefits that secure a long-term future in the department.

The most striking change is the massive increase in the starting wage. The new contract, negotiated with the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local No. 2, is set to deliver raises between 21% and 25% over the life of the agreement, with the impact immediately visible in the entry-level compensation. This is a critical factor for anyone considering a new career path in emergency services in the Chicago area.

The New Era of CFD Compensation: Starting Pay and Salary Progression (2025-2026)

The new compensation schedule for the Chicago Fire Department reflects a significant investment in attracting and retaining top talent. The figures below illustrate the dramatic shift in starting pay and the robust potential for earnings growth through the department's structured salary progression steps.

Entry-Level and Firefighter-EMT Base Salary

The new union contract has fundamentally changed the entry-level salary, establishing a new benchmark for public safety compensation in the region.

  • Current Starting Salary (2025): New Firefighters and Paramedics currently start their careers at a base annual wage of approximately $62,466.
  • Projected Starting Salary (January 1, 2026): The official starting salary for new Firefighters and Paramedics is projected to jump to an impressive $74,626 per year. This increase is a direct result of the recently approved contract and its guaranteed raises.

The career path for a Firefighter-EMT or Firefighter-Paramedic follows a clear, incremental salary progression, rewarding longevity and experience. The top base pay is achieved after several years of service, providing a strong incentive for long-term commitment.

  • Top Firefighter Base Pay (Step 6): Experienced, non-supervisory Firefighters can reach a top base annual salary of approximately $114,570. This top base pay does not include any additional compensation from overtime or specialty pay.

The CFD Salary Ladder: Pay by Rank and Specialty

Moving up the chain of command in the Chicago Fire Department offers substantial financial rewards, with base salaries increasing significantly at each promotional step. The combination of fire suppression and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) roles means that many officers hold dual certifications, leading to even higher compensation.

Here is a breakdown of the average and specific base salaries for key supervisory and command positions, based on the latest available data for 2025:

Command and Supervisory Roles Compensation

Rank/Position Average Annual Base Salary (2025 Est.)
Firefighter Lieutenant-EMT ~$113,776
Firefighter Lieutenant-Paramedic ~$117,318
Firefighter Captain ~$80,404 to $88,234
Battalion Chief ~$108,760 to $112,737
Battalion Chief – EMT ~$144,894
Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner ~$185,352

The significant variance in the Captain and Battalion Chief salaries often depends on the source of the data (average vs. official contract steps) and whether the individual holds a Paramedic or EMT certification, which typically includes a premium pay differential.

The Total Compensation Package: Benefits and Overtime Potential

While the base salary is the foundation, the true value of a career with the Chicago Fire Department lies in its comprehensive total compensation package. This includes robust benefits, guaranteed extra pay, and significant overtime potential.

Overtime and Specialty Pay: Earning Potential Over $198,000

The CFD is known for providing ample opportunities for personnel to significantly boost their annual income through overtime (OT). In fact, top-earning firefighters—those who frequently take on extra shifts—can see their total annual compensation exceed $198,000.

Beyond standard overtime, the new contract ensures several forms of additional, guaranteed pay:

  • Holiday Pay: Compensation for working on designated holidays.
  • Duty Availability Pay: A form of compensation for being available for duty, which is a key component of the new contract.
  • Specialty Pay: Additional wages for holding specific certifications or being assigned to specialized units (e.g., Hazmat, Dive Team, or Paramedic/EMT differential).
  • Uniform Allowance: An annual stipend to cover the cost of uniforms and gear maintenance.

Healthcare and Retirement Security

Public service employment with the City of Chicago provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, ensuring long-term financial and physical security for the employee and their family. These benefits are a major factor in the overall attractiveness of the CFD career path.

Health Benefits: Full-time employees, including uniformed Firefighters and Paramedics, are covered by a range of health plans, as detailed in the 2025 Open Enrollment Guide. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, with retiree health benefits also being a key component of the compensation package.

Pension Fund: The cornerstone of the CFD's retirement security is the Firemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (FABF). This defined-benefit pension plan provides guaranteed retirement income based on years of service and final average salary. The FABF is a crucial entity that secures the financial future of CFD members and their families, with service pensions and disability benefits available to eligible members.

The Impact of the New Union Contract on Career Trajectory

The recent approval of the new contract with the Chicago Fire Fighters Union marks a pivotal moment for the department. This agreement not only provides a substantial immediate raise but also stabilizes the financial future of the entire workforce.

The guaranteed 21% to 25% salary increase is designed to keep CFD wages competitive with other major municipal fire departments across the United States. This move is expected to significantly boost recruitment efforts, particularly for Paramedic and Firefighter-EMT positions, which are critical to the department's operations. The higher starting salary of $74,626 in 2026 makes the CFD one of the most attractive entry points for a career in emergency services.

For prospective applicants, understanding this new pay scale is essential. The career path is clear: start as a recruit, complete the academy, progress through the salary steps, and then test for promotional ranks such as Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief, each offering a substantial jump in base pay and leadership responsibility. The robust compensation and benefits package, coupled with the security of a defined-benefit pension, solidifies the Chicago Fire Department as a premier employer in the public safety sector.

The $74,626 Jump: Everything You Need to Know About the Chicago Fire Dept Salary and Massive 2025-2026 Pay Raise
chicago fire dept salary
chicago fire dept salary

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