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Firefighter Salary in Brisbane

Public Safety

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

Average Salary
$77,900
per year
Take-Home Pay
$62,184
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$59-105k
$78K
$59K$105K

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 Brisbane

Based on the average Firefighter salary of $77,900 in Brisbane, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$77,900$77,900
Income Tax-$14,158-$14,158
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,558-$1,558
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$2,337
Superannuation (11%)+$8,569+$8,569
Annual Take-Home$62,184$59,847
Monthly Take-Home$5,182$4,987
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,392$2,302

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
$78,000
Take-home$62,184
Tax-$14,158
Super+$8,569

How to Become a Firefighter

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

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
$62KEntry$78KMid$90KSenior$105KLead
Entry Level

Recruit Firefighter

$62,320
estimated in Brisbane
0-2 years
Mid Level

Firefighter

$77,900
estimated in Brisbane
2-7 years
Senior Level

Senior Firefighter

$89,585
estimated in Brisbane
7-12 years
Leadership

Station Officer / Commander

$105,165
estimated in Brisbane
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 Brisbane

Firefighter Hourly Rate in Brisbane

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

Entry Level
$30/hr
Average
$39/hr
Senior
$53/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter earn in Brisbane?

The average Firefighter salary in Brisbane is $77,900 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. Salaries range from $58,900 to $104,500 depending on experience.

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

A Firefighter earning $77,900 in Brisbane takes home approximately $62,184 per year after tax, or $5,182 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $59,847 per year.

How much do Firefighters make per hour in Brisbane?

Firefighters in Brisbane earn approximately $39 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $30/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $53/hour.

Is Brisbane a good place to work as a Firefighter?

Brisbane offers Firefighter salaries around average in Australia at $77,900. The city has a cost of living index of 88 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Firefighter Salaries in Brisbane

The average Firefighter in Brisbane, Queensland earns $77,900 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. Salaries typically range from $58,900 for entry-level positions to $104,500 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Firefighter earning the average salary in Brisbane can expect to take home approximately $62,184 per year, or $5,182 per month.

Brisbane is home to approximately 2.6 million people and has a cost of living index of 88 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Brisbane are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Firefighter Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $58,900, while senior roles can reach $104,500.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Firefighter roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Brisbane's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Firefighters earn $$30-$53 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.