CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by MN Board of Public Safety

Firefighter Licensing in Minnesota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Minnesota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training & Education (MBFTE) Review:.

  3. 3

    License FAQS.

  4. 4

    Continuing Education Requirements.

Continuing education and program notes

  • Requirements The Link Between Licensing & Certification None

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    MBFTE • Board of Firefighter Training and Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $41,990 median (29% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training & Education (MBFTE) Review:.).
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to MBFTE~Board of Firefighter Training and Education and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $41,990, Firefighters in Minnesota earn 29% below the national median of $59,530. Minnesota ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$41,990

Hourly estimate

$20.19
29% below national median

Difference: -$17,540

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$29,040
  • P2525th percentile$37,030
  • P50Median$41,990
  • P7575th percentile$60,040
  • P9090th percentile$72,970

State vs National Median

State: $41,990
National: $59,530

Total employment: 4,890 | Annual openings: N/A

Firefighter Salary Ranking

#45 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$93,490
#2New York$88,380
#3New Jersey$87,660
#4California$83,400
#5Illinois$79,080

Nearby States Comparison

Firefighter licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Minnesota$41,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$47,710Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$55,190Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$47,520Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$53,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Iowa60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

MBFTE • Board of Firefighter Training and Education

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 146, St. Paul, MN, 55101

Phone: 6512017257

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$64,670Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$83,310Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$46,020Varies by state boardVaries by board
Acupuncturist$124,640Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Minnesota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Firefighter salary in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for Firefighters in Minnesota is $41,990. Salaries range from $29,040 (10th percentile) to $72,970 (90th percentile).

How does the Firefighter salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Minnesota earn 29% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $41,990.

How many Firefighters work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 4,890 Firefighters according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Minnesota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Minnesota?

The licensing agency is MBFTE / Board of Firefighter Training and Education. Review agency details at http://www.mbfte.org/.

How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Minnesota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.