Firefighters vs Office Clerks, General: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Firefighters professionals earn $15,900 more per year than Office Clerks, General professionals — that's 36.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Firefighters earns $101,330 compared to $63,840 for Office Clerks, General.
Salary Range Comparison
Firefighters$34,490 – $101,330
Office Clerks, General$29,120 – $63,840
$29,120$101,330
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Firefighters | Office Clerks, General | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,490 | $29,120 | +$5,370 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,180 | $35,350 | +$8,830 |
| Median (50th) | $59,530 | $43,630 | +$15,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,410 | $52,560 | +$24,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,330 | $63,840 | +$37,490 |
| Mean (Average) | $63,890 | $45,470 | +$18,420 |
Employment Numbers
Firefighters
332,240
employed nationwide
Office Clerks, General
2,510,550
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Firefighters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $164,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $121,270 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $108,320 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $105,250 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $102,220 |
Best Cities for Office Clerks, General
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $58,920 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $56,330 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $55,790 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $53,640 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $51,270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Firefighters or Office Clerks, General?
Firefighters professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $15,900 (36.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Firefighters?
Firefighters salaries range from $34,490 (10th percentile) to $101,330 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,530.
What is the salary range for Office Clerks, General?
Office Clerks, General salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $63,840 (90th percentile), with a median of $43,630.
How many Firefighters and Office Clerks, General jobs are there?
There are approximately 332,240 Firefighters positions and 2,510,550 Office Clerks, General positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Office Clerks, General to Firefighters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Firefighters has a median salary of $59,530 while Office Clerks, General earns $43,630. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS