Firefighters vs Web Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Web Developers professionals earn $31,400 more per year than Firefighters professionals — that's 52.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Firefighters earns $101,330 compared to $162,870 for Web Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Firefighters$34,490 – $101,330
Web Developers$48,560 – $162,870
$34,490$162,870
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Firefighters | Web Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,490 | $48,560 | $-14,070 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,180 | $63,140 | $-18,960 |
| Median (50th) | $59,530 | $90,930 | $-31,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,410 | $124,300 | $-46,890 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,330 | $162,870 | $-61,540 |
| Mean (Average) | $63,890 | $98,790 | $-34,900 |
Employment Numbers
Firefighters
332,240
employed nationwide
Web Developers
78,860
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 Web Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $161,750 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $157,490 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $126,040 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $120,750 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $117,560 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Firefighters or Web Developers?
Web Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $31,400 (52.7% 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 Web Developers?
Web Developers salaries range from $48,560 (10th percentile) to $162,870 (90th percentile), with a median of $90,930.
How many Firefighters and Web Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 332,240 Firefighters positions and 78,860 Web Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Web Developers to Firefighters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Firefighters has a median salary of $59,530 while Web Developers earns $90,930. 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