Firefighter Salary NSW: What Firefighters Earn in New South Wales

What Does "Firefighter Salary NSW" Mean?

When you search for "firefighter salary nsw", you're asking how much a firefighter in New South Wales earns in a typical full-time role. This guide uses the Salary Index to place that figure against the national line, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The index helps you see whether a job pays above or below the Australian average, and how state and industry differences affect take-home pay.

Firefighters in NSW are primarily employed by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), a government agency. Their pay is set by enterprise agreements negotiated between the union and the state government, not by a modern award alone. However, the General Firefighting Services Award 2010 provides a safety net for private sector firefighters. Because the on-site reference does not list a specific firefighter salary, we rely on the state index and general pay principles to give you a clear picture.

NSW State Index and Firefighter Pay

The states page shows NSW has an index of 101.2, meaning the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings in NSW are about $109,658 per year – slightly above the national line. Firefighters in NSW typically earn close to or above this average, especially once overtime and allowances are included. Entry-level firefighters might start around $70,000–$80,000, while senior officers can earn well over $100,000. These figures are estimates based on public sector pay scales; for exact numbers, consult the FRNSW enterprise agreement or pay guides.

How the Salary Index Works

The how the index works page explains that the index is your yearly gross salary divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. For example, if a firefighter earns $120,000, their index would be about 110.7 – 10.7% above the national average. If they earn $95,000, the index is 87.7 – below the line. This tool is useful for comparing roles across industries and states.

State and Industry Comparisons

Firefighting is a public sector role, but it doesn't fit neatly into one industry category. The industries page lists indices for broad sectors: Mining (154.7), Professional services (114.7), Education (105.5), Health care (97.8), Retail (75.9), and Accommodation (72.5). Firefighters in NSW likely fall between the Education and Health indices, given their government employment and skill requirements. Compared to other states, NSW firefighter pay is competitive: Victoria's index is 98.0, Queensland 97.9, South Australia 94.6, Western Australia 106.9, Tasmania 88.6, Northern Territory 95.2, and ACT 109.9. Firefighters in WA and the ACT often earn more due to higher state earnings and cost-of-living adjustments.

Awards, Super, and Tax

Firefighters in NSW are covered by enterprise agreements that usually pay above the national minimum wage ($26.44/hr from 1 July 2026, index 48.2). The award floor for entry-level roles is $25.74/hr. Junior rates apply for firefighters under 21, but most firefighters are adults. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. For a firefighter earning $100,000, that's $12,000 in super per year.

Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold) is: nil up to $18,200; 15% on the next $26,800; 30% on the next $90,000; 37% on the next $55,000; and 45% above $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay for a $100,000 earner would be roughly $76,000 after tax and Medicare, excluding HELP or other deductions.

Practical Examples

Consider a qualified firefighter in Sydney with five years' experience. Their base salary might be $85,000, but with shift penalties and overtime, total gross could reach $110,000. That gives an index of 101.5 – right on the NSW state average. A station officer with 15 years might earn $130,000 (index 120), while a recruit in training might earn $65,000 (index 60). These are illustrative; actual pay depends on the enterprise agreement.

Where to Find More Information

For the most accurate firefighter salary in NSW, check the Fire and Rescue NSW enterprise agreement on the Fair Work Ombudsman website or the union (Fire Brigade Employees Union). The topics page on Salary Index covers related roles like paramedic and police salaries. You can also compare using states and industries benchmarks.

Summary

While a precise firefighter salary in NSW is not in the reference, the state index of 101.2 suggests earnings above the national line. Firefighters in NSW are well-compensated with allowances, super, and job security. Use the Salary Index to benchmark any pay offer against the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average firefighter salary in NSW? The average firefighter salary in NSW is not specified in the Salary Index reference. However, the NSW state index of 101.2 indicates that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings in NSW are about 1.2% above the national line of 100 ($108,352 annualised). Firefighters employed by Fire and Rescue NSW are covered by enterprise agreements that typically pay above award rates, with base salaries for qualified firefighters starting around $70,000–$80,000 and senior ranks exceeding $100,000. For precise figures, refer to the FRNSW enterprise agreement or Fair Work Ombudsman.

How does firefighter pay in NSW compare to other states? Using the Salary Index state benchmarks, NSW (101.2) sits above Victoria (98.0) and Queensland (97.9) but below Western Australia (106.9) and the ACT (109.9). Firefighter pay in NSW is generally competitive, but actual salaries depend on each state's fire service enterprise agreements. For example, WA firefighters often earn more due to higher cost of living and mining industry spillover, while Tasmanian firefighters (state index 88.6) may earn less on average. What factors affect a firefighter's salary in NSW? Key factors include rank (firefighter, senior firefighter, station officer, etc.), years of service, overtime, and shift allowances. Firefighters often work 24-hour shifts and receive penalty rates. Additional qualifications (e.g., hazardous materials, rescue) can attract allowances. Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026. Income tax follows the 2026–27 resident rates: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above, plus a 2% Medicare levy.