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Firefighter Salary in Adelaide

Public Safety

Firefighters respond to fires and emergencies, protecting lives and property.

Average Salary
$73,800
per year
Take-Home Pay
$59,396
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$56-99k
$74K
$56K$99K

Job Market Outlook

Low AI Risk

Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential

Balanced

Job supply roughly matches candidate availability

+6% growth

Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Firefighter Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Adelaide

Based on the average Firefighter salary of $73,800 in Adelaide, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$73,800$73,800
Income Tax-$12,928-$12,928
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,476-$1,476
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$2,214
Superannuation (11%)+$8,118+$8,118
Annual Take-Home$59,396$57,182
Monthly Take-Home$4,950$4,765
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,284$2,199

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$74,000
Take-home$59,396
Tax-$12,928
Super+$8,118

How to Become a Firefighter

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Firefighter in South Australia.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Year 12 or equivalent education
  • Current driver's license
  • High level of physical fitness
  • Pass rigorous recruitment process
Preferred Qualifications
  • Trade qualification or tertiary education
  • First aid certification
  • Volunteer firefighting experience
Relevant Certifications
Recruit firefighter training (provided)Firefighter certificationHazmat technician

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$59KEntry$74KMid$85KSenior$100KLead
Entry Level

Recruit Firefighter

$59,040
estimated in Adelaide
0-2 years
Mid Level

Firefighter

$73,800
estimated in Adelaide
2-7 years
Senior Level

Senior Firefighter

$84,870
estimated in Adelaide
7-12 years
Leadership

Station Officer / Commander

$99,630
estimated in Adelaide
12+ years

Skills in Demand

Technical rescueHazmat responseCommunity educationLeadershipEmergency medical response

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1Maintain excellent physical fitness before applying
  2. 2Volunteer firefighting provides valuable experience
  3. 3Recruitment is highly competitive - prepare well
  4. 4Consider aviation or industrial firefighting as alternatives
  5. 5Develop leadership skills for promotion opportunities

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Related Public Safety Roles in Adelaide

Firefighter Hourly Rate in Adelaide

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$28/hr
Average
$37/hr
Senior
$50/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter earn in Adelaide?

The average Firefighter salary in Adelaide is $73,800 per year, or approximately $37 per hour. Salaries range from $55,800 to $99,000 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Firefighter in Adelaide?

A Firefighter earning $73,800 in Adelaide takes home approximately $59,396 per year after tax, or $4,950 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $57,182 per year.

How much do Firefighters make per hour in Adelaide?

Firefighters in Adelaide earn approximately $37 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $28/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $50/hour.

Is Adelaide a good place to work as a Firefighter?

Adelaide offers Firefighter salaries around average in Australia at $73,800. The city has a cost of living index of 82 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Firefighter Salaries in Adelaide

The average Firefighter in Adelaide, South Australia earns $73,800 per year, or approximately $37 per hour. Salaries typically range from $55,800 for entry-level positions to $99,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Firefighter earning the average salary in Adelaide can expect to take home approximately $59,396 per year, or $4,950 per month.

Adelaide is home to approximately 1.4 million people and has a cost of living index of 82 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Adelaide are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Firefighter Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $55,800, while senior roles can reach $99,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Firefighter roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Adelaide's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Firefighters earn $$28-$50 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.