Firefighter Salary in Wales
Wales offers salaries typically 10-20% below the UK median, but with significantly lower living costs, particularly for housing. Cardiff has the strongest salary market in Wales, with a growing financial services and professional sector, while the wider economy relies on public sector, manufacturing and tourism.
Among the most affordable UK regions for housing. Welsh Government policies on public sector pay and economic development may differ from England.
Salary Trajectory
| Stage | Yrs Exp | P25 | Median | P75 | P90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee Firefighter | 0+ | £25,650 | £27,550 | £30,400 | £32,300 |
| Competent Firefighter | 2+ | £33,250 | £35,150 | £38,000 | £39,900 |
| Crew Manager | 6+ | £37,050 | £38,950 | £41,800 | £44,650 |
| Watch Manager | 10+ | £40,850 | £43,700 | £47,025 | £49,400 |
| Station Manager | 14+ | £47,500 | £52,250 | £57,000 | £61,750 |
| Group / Area Manager | 20+ | £57,000 | £66,500 | £77,900 | £90,250 |
See the interactive salary trajectory
Visualise your progression with our interactive chart tool
Compare with Other Careers in Wales
Firefighter in Other Regions
Discover Which Career Suits You
Answer a few questions and find your ideal career path
Unlock Full Percentile Breakdowns
PDF export, detailed analysis, and more with CareerMetrics Pro
Based on ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) via NOMIS. Regional salary adjustments derived from ONS regional pay differentials. Career progression timelines based on industry research. All figures are gross annual pay estimates for full-time workers.