Originally Posted by
Firefighterpilo
Honesty here in California. Easily yes to both with a pension. I cleared well over $100,000 my second year as a firefighter/paramedic and most our captains make $300,000 with OT. That’s with out gaming the system.
How easy is it to make captain? Once you get there, how long until retirement? The pension helps, but I don't think many firemen can work to age 65 (and get another fire-fighting gig after mandatory retirement).
Also pay is commensurate with COL, which is why it's higher in big metro areas in CA. My friend's husband is a firefighter in NC... she *****es all the time that he only makes like $30K, and that she can't do airlines because of his work schedule.
Airlines you commute if you want big QOL in a low COL area (if the tradeoff is worth it to you).
Fire/police has aviation beat hands down for stability though.