How much do retired NYC firefighters make?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 24, 2026
A total of 491 people retired from FDNY during 2019. Among the 381 new retirees with at least 20 years of service, pensions averaged $139,785 and 326 (86 percent) were eligible for pensions over $100,000. The largest new pension went to retired Assistant Chief James C.
Can you retire early as a firefighter?
Like police officers, firefighters have the option to retire early with a pension that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Firefighters also work more hours every week (up to 40%), earn a relatively low hourly rate for their skill level, and are three times more likely to die on the job than the average American.
How much money do NYC firefighters make?
Benefits and Salary Starting salary for a Firefighter is $45,196. But with overtime and holiday pay, which is often required, you can get additional compensation. After five years, a Firefighter can make more than $100,000, including overtime and holiday pay.
What is top pay for a NYC firefighter?
Firefighter Salary in New York City, NY
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $69,650 | $5,804 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,779 | $4,981 |
| Average | $47,688 | $3,974 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,841 | $3,153 |
How much does a NYFD captain make?
The average salary for a Captain is $106,871 per year in New York City, NY Area, which is 35% lower than the average FDNY salary of $165,026 per year for this job.
What FDNY company is the busiest?
The busiest company in 2017 was Engine Co. 1 with 6279 runs. 530 West 43rd St. 142 West 31st St.
A total of 491 people retired from FDNY during 2019. Among the 381 new retirees with at least 20 years of service, pensions averaged $139,785 and 326 (86 percent) were eligible for pensions over $100,000.
Like police officers, firefighters have the option to retire early with a pension that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. However, there are significant drawbacks. As is the case with police officers, firefighters are often ineligible for social security benefits.
Firefighter Salary Guide
| Number of Years | Base | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $43,904 | $45,196 |
| After 1 Year | $46,066 | $55,101 |
| After 2 Years | $50,173 | $59,641 |
| After 3 Years | $55,192 | $65,267 |
What is a fireman’s schedule?
Firefighter Schedules and Work Life A full-time firefighter works an average of 56 hours per week, but the work hours are divided into 24-hours shifts. The usual schedule for firefighters is to work 10 of the 24-hour shifts per month, which means that the firefighter has approximately 20 days off each month.
Is there a pension for New York City firefighters?
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Pension Fund is for the City’s firefighters and fire officers. Call 311 for assistance by phone. Employees, prospective employees, and retirees of the Department of Education can get information and assistance with payroll, health benefits, certification, leave, or other human resources issues.
When did the FDNY stop paying pension to retirees?
In April 2015, following a legal intervention by the Empire Center, a state Supreme Court justice blocked efforts by the FDNY unions and the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund to conceal pension payments from the public.
Who are the firefighters in New York City?
The New York City Fire Department Pension Fund is for the City’s firefighters and fire officers. For more details, please call 718-999-2300. The covers over 39,000 police officers of New York City.
Is the New York City fire department financially robust?
The Fire Department retirement system has long been financially the least robust of New York City’s five municipal employee pension funds, with assets equaling just 55 percent of its accrued long-term liabilities as of the latest available estimate, which dates to fiscal 2014.
