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Firefighter Licensing in Pennsylvania

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    PA Department of Labor & Industry • Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division • Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $71,430 median (20% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #10 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to PA Department of Labor & Industry~Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division~Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Pennsylvania

With a median salary of $71,430, Firefighters in Pennsylvania earn 20% above the national median of $59,530. Pennsylvania ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,364

Median annual salary

$71,430

Hourly estimate

$34.34
20% above national median

Difference: +$11,900

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,820
  • P2525th percentile$49,970
  • P50Median$71,430
  • P7575th percentile$90,240
  • P9090th percentile$90,240

State vs National Median

State: $71,430
National: $59,530

Total employment: N/A | Annual openings: N/A

Firefighter Salary Ranking

#10 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
Pennsylvania$71,430Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
New York$88,380Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
New Jersey$87,660Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Delaware$48,060Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$70,580Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$41,500Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Ohio$59,470Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
Pennsylvania78HighBoard-specific review required.
New York78HighBoard-specific review required.
New Jersey72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Delaware54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia56MediumState-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

PA Department of Labor & Industry • Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division • Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division

Room 1623; L & I Building, Harrisburg, PA, 17120

Phone: 7177723396

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Pennsylvania

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$63,540Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$86,350Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$37,680No educational requirementsVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for Firefighters in Pennsylvania is $71,430. Salaries range from $34,820 (10th percentile) to $90,240 (90th percentile).

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

Firefighters in Pennsylvania earn 20% above the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $71,430.

Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

The licensing agency is PA Department of Labor & Industry / Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division / Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division. Review agency details at https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/Certified-Code-Officials.aspx.

How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Pennsylvania?

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