Tax Guide for Firefighters (2025)
Firefighters earn a median salary of $57,120. They may qualify for the public safety officer health insurance deduction and often have access to 457(b) deferred compensation plans. The typical salary of $57,120 results in an estimated $48,024 take-home pay after federal income tax and FICA.
Quick Tax Snapshot
Gross Salary
$57,120
Median for firefighters
Federal Income Tax
$4,726
Single filer, standard deduction
FICA Taxes
$4,370
Social Security + Medicare
Estimated Take-Home
$48,024
After federal tax + FICA
Key Tax Deductions for Firefighters
Public safety officer health insurance deduction (retired)
Uniform and protective gear maintenance
EMT/paramedic certification and training costs
Union dues (deductible in some states)
Fitness equipment (if required by department, self-employed only)
What to know at this income level
Between $45,000 and $80,000, most of your taxable income falls in the 12% bracket with some crossing into the 22% bracket at $48,475 (single, after standard deduction starts around $64,000 gross). This is the income range where the US median household income sits (~$80,000 in 2024), so you are in the mainstream of American earners. Tax-advantaged retirement accounts — 401(k) and IRA — become your most effective tax planning tools.
22% bracket threshold
The 22% bracket starts at $48,475 of taxable income (about $64,000 gross salary for single filers). Each dollar above this threshold costs 10 cents more in tax than the 12% bracket below it. Contributing to a pre-tax 401(k) can keep more income in the 12% bracket. Use calculator →
Pre-tax 401(k) strategy
At the 22% bracket, every $1,000 contributed to a pre-tax 401(k) saves $220 in federal tax immediately. The 2025 limit is $23,500. If you cannot max it out, aim for at least the employer match — typically 3-6% of salary. Use calculator →
Roth vs Traditional IRA
At the 12-22% bracket range, a Roth IRA may be optimal. You pay tax now at a relatively low rate and withdraw tax-free in retirement when you may be in a higher bracket. The 2025 IRA contribution limit is $7,000 ($8,000 if age 50+). Use calculator →
Typical roles at this level: Mid-level office and administrative workers, skilled trades, teachers, police officers, retail managers, and early-career professionals in most fields.
Frequently asked questions
What tax benefits are specific to firefighters?
Retired firefighters can exclude up to $3,000 from gross income for health, accident, or long-term care insurance premiums paid from pension distributions. Active-duty firefighters benefit from tax-free employer-provided uniforms and equipment. Some states exempt a portion of firefighter pension income from state taxes. Volunteer firefighters may receive up to $600 in tax-exempt stipends in certain states.
How is overtime and holiday pay taxed for firefighters?
Overtime, holiday pay, and hazard pay are all taxed as ordinary income at your regular federal and state tax rates. The extra income may push some dollars into a higher marginal bracket, but your effective tax rate on total income remains lower. To manage withholding, consider adjusting your W-4 if you regularly work overtime to avoid owing a large balance at tax time.
What retirement plans should firefighters use?
Most firefighters have access to a defined benefit pension plan plus a 457(b) deferred compensation plan. The 457(b) allows contributions up to $23,500 in 2025 ($31,000 if age 50+), and unlike 401(k) plans, withdrawals before age 59 1/2 are not subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty. This makes 457(b) plans especially valuable for firefighters who retire before 59 1/2. Consider a Roth IRA as well for tax-free retirement income.
Should I choose Roth or Traditional for my retirement accounts?
At the 12-22% bracket, Roth contributions are often advantageous because you pay tax at a historically low rate now and withdraw tax-free later. If you expect higher income in retirement (pensions, Social Security, investment income), Roth is especially compelling. Traditional pre-tax contributions make more sense if you need the immediate tax deduction to manage cash flow.
Want a personalized tax estimate?
Adjust filing status, deductions, and more with our full calculator.
Federal Income Tax Calculator →Best states for firefighters →
As a firefighters, your state choice can save you thousands. Compare all 50 states at your $57,120 income.
Related Calculators
Federal Income Tax Calculator
10–37% brackets, $15,750 standard deduction, progressive calculation
Paycheck Calculator
Federal, state, FICA withholding, net take-home, W-4 alignment
Roth vs Traditional IRA
Side-by-side Roth vs traditional projection — current-year deduction vs tax-free retirement withdrawal at your projected marginal rate