Firefighter Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate a firefighter's 2026 take-home pay and see how the new overtime deduction shelters your premium pay.
Tax breakdown on $57,000
Approximate 2026 U.S. median for firefighters (BLS OES). Federal only — add your state income tax with the calculators below. Excludes credits, other income, and (for 1099) business deductions and the QBI deduction.
Take-home at different firefighter salaries
| Gross | Federal income tax | FICA | Annual take-home | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $3,060 | $34,320 | $2,860 |
| $48,000 | $3,580 | $3,672 | $40,748 | $3,396 |
| $57,000 | $4,660 | $4,361 | $47,980 | $3,998 |
| $66,000 | $5,740 | $5,049 | $55,211 | $4,601 |
| $77,000 | $8,110 | $5,891 | $63,000 | $5,250 |
How firefighter taxes work
Firefighters are W-2 employees, typically with a defined-benefit pension and long, shift-based schedules that generate substantial overtime. Because firehouse schedules don't fit a normal 40-hour week, overtime is measured under special FLSA 'work-period' rules (section 7(k)) — but the premium portion of that FLSA-required overtime is exactly what the new OBBBA overtime deduction targets.
Heavy overtime can push total pay well above base salary and into a higher marginal bracket, so sheltering the overtime premium from federal income tax can be meaningful money. Pension contributions are usually pre-tax, and many departments offer 457(b) deferred-comp plans that further lower taxable income.
Tax notes for firefighters
- Overtime premium under FLSA 7(k) work-period rules may qualify for the OBBBA overtime deduction (up to $12,500 single / $25,000 MFJ).
- Pension contributions are commonly pre-tax, reducing current taxable income.
- 457(b) deferred compensation reduces taxable income and has flexible early-withdrawal rules.
- Union dues and unreimbursed gear aren't federally deductible for W-2 employees through 2025 — ask about pre-tax reimbursement.
OBBBA overtime deduction — is your overtime premium tax-free?
If you work FLSA overtime, the premium 'half' of your time-and-a-half can be deducted from federal income tax — up to $12,500 (single) / $25,000 (married filing jointly) for 2026. Only the premium counts, not your whole overtime check. Use the tools below to find your qualifying amount and your after-phase-out deduction.
Firefighter tax FAQs
How much does a firefighter take home after taxes in 2026?
A single firefighter earning about $57,000 takes home roughly $47,980 a year (about $3,998 per month) after federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare — an effective federal rate of about 15.83%. This is before any state income tax and before 401(k)/HSA contributions.
How much does a firefighter take home after taxes in 2026?
A single firefighter earning about $57,000 in base pay keeps roughly the amount shown above after federal income tax and FICA, before state tax and pension contributions. Overtime raises gross pay and can raise the marginal rate — though the overtime deduction offsets part of it.
Is firefighter overtime tax-deductible in 2026?
The premium portion of FLSA-required overtime can qualify for the OBBBA overtime deduction for 2025–2026. Firefighter overtime is measured under special work-period rules, so confirm the qualifying premium with your payroll department or use our premium-pay checker.
Are firefighter pension contributions pre-tax?
In most departments, mandatory pension contributions are made pre-tax, lowering current taxable income, with benefits taxed later in retirement. Exact treatment varies by plan and state.