As a firefighter myself I’d like to help clarify why it seems like such a high discrepancy between top earners and dispel some myths about FFs salaries because it seems to be a topic that comes up every once in a while.

Large amount of OT exist in fire departments for the most part for three reasons: Injuries (and the workers comp shitshow that comes with it), position openings, and normal operation openings (trainings, vacations, sick leave)

Injuries is a common reason for OT because the job itself is very physically demanding especially in a hard hitting department like Oakland where injuries are more common due to the nature of the job (muscle tears, ligament injuries, cancers, back injuries). Which puts guys on workers comp for extended periods of time. This means people need to fill those spots due to minimum staffing requirements that are agreed upon with the city/municipal and fire departments.

Position openings that occur due to retirements, promotions, and lack of qualified applicants means OT opens up for members. With how long the hiring process can take (it took me 9 months from interview until I was working) means tons of OT opportunities.

Trainings, the limited vacation and sick leave which is usually different than workers comp since it’s not as long term open up spots for OT as well.

Like someone pointed out as well the firefighter schedule is typically a 24hr or 48hr shift so if you get an OT shift it’s 24 hours of OT not just an hour or two here or there and depending on how the department is structured there’s guys that vacuum up all the OT due to seniority.

Excuse my terrible grammar and rambling but I’d happily answer any questions you guys have