Pay, Incentives & Benefits (FY 2025 - 2027)
We want the best, and with the support of a strong labor union we have built tremendous value and practicality into the benefits afforded to every one of our members.
| FIREFIGHTER CADET HIRED WITHOUT EMT BASIC LICENSE | ||||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 3/C | $18.59 | 40 | 30 | $22,308.00 |
| FF 2/C | $13.72 | 56 | 22 | $16,903.04 |
| 1ST YR TOTAL | $39,211.04 | |||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 2/C | $13.72 | 56 | 30 | $23,049.60 |
| FF 1/C | $21.38 | 56 | 22 | $26,340.16 |
| 2ND YR TOTAL | $49,389.76 | |||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 1/C | $21.38 | 56 | 52 | $62,258.56 |
| 3RD YR TOTAL | $62,258.56 |
| FIREFIGHTER CADET HIRED WITH EMT BASIC LICENSE | ||||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 3/C | $18.59 | 40 | 20 | $14,872.00 |
| FF 2/C | $13.72 | 56 | 32 | $24,586.24 |
| 1ST YR TOTAL | $39,458.24 | |||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 2/C | $13.72 | 56 | 20 | $15,366.40 |
| FF 1/C | $21.38 | 56 | 32 | $38,312.96 |
| 2ND YR TOTAL | $53,679.36 | |||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 1/C | $21.38 | 56 | 52 | $62,258.56 |
| 3RD YR TOTAL | $62,258.56 |
| FIREFIGHTER CADET HIRED WITH PARAMEDIC LICENSE | ||||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 3/C | $22.71 | 40 | 20 | $18,168.00 |
| FF 2/C | $15.83 | 56 | 32 | $28,367.36 |
| 1ST YR TOTAL | $46,535.36 | |||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 2/C | $18.53 | 56 | 20 | $20,753.60 |
| FF 1/C | $22.32 | 56 | 32 | $39,997.44 |
| 2ND YR TOTAL | $60,751.04 | |||
| WAGE | HOURS | WEEKS | TOTAL | |
| FF 1/C | $22.32 | 56 | 52 | $64,995.84 |
| 3RD YR TOTAL | $64,995.84 |
Need more Incentive?
- Paramedic Assignment Pay Incentive ~9.5% pay increase upon assignment to an ALS unit or position with an additional 3.5% pay increase when assigned to a transport capable ALS unit
- Wildland Pay Incentive ~$32.50 per month
- Bilingual Skill Pay ~$20.00 per month
- Academic Reimbursement Plan ~ Receive up to $1,800 per year towards your college tuition!
- Academic Incentive Pay ~ For every college credit earned we'll pay you $1 per month! (60 credit hours=$60 a month)
*Incentives are available after successful completion of probationary year
Interested in Becoming a Paramedic?
We pay you to become a licensed paramedic! Albuquerque Fire Rescue offers two options for paramedic school to eligible AFR employees.
University of New Mexico | 10 month accelerated program sponsored by the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. 40 hour work week.
Central New Mexico Community College | 15 month, 5 term in-person program, with a hybrid option. Full time course, 40 hours per week. Awarded AAS degree upon successful completion.
Benefits
Key Features
- 25 year retirement at 75% of highest 5 years
- Complete health and dental insurance (80% City contribution)
- 144 hours of annual sick leave accrual
- 144-240 hours of annual vacation accrual
- Free gym membership
- 13 paid holidays per year
- GI Benefit Eligible Accredited Academy
- Two year promotional cycles
- Cadet program IFSAC testing provided
- On-duty professional development courses
- Peer Fitness: free training and testing
- Annual NFPA 1582 Compliant Physical
Longevity Pay for Members
Longevity pay will be paid on the basis of continuous service with AFR. This supplement is paid in bi-weekly installments (pay period) and is also applied towards your highest 5 year earnings. Longevity tiers apply at the beginning of the applicable year of service.
| YEARS OF SERVICE | ANNUAL FY 2025 | ANNUAL FY 2026 & 2027 |
| Completion of Probation through 4 years | $1,950 ($75 pay period) | $2,600 ($100 pay period) |
| Beginning 5 through 7 years | $2,340 ($90 pay period) | $3,250 ($125 pay period) |
| Beginning 8 through 11 years | $3,250 ($125 pay period) | $3,900 ($150 pay period) |
| Beginning 12 through 14 years | $4,160 ($160 pay period) | $5,200 ($200 pay period) |
| Beginning 15 through 17 years | $6,240 ($240 pay period) | $6,240 ($240 pay period) |
| Beginning 18 through 21 years | $13,130 ($505 pay period) | $13,130 ($505 pay period) |
| Beginning 22 through 24 years | $14,430 ($555 pay period) | $14,430 ($555 pay period) |
| Beginning 25 years and beyond | $16,770 ($645 pay period) | $16,770 ($645 pay period) |
Continuing Education
Being a member of AFR is demanding, and continuing education is critical for our success. Most EMS agencies and fire departments require their members to maintain their own CE's, but AFR members receive all required CE's, every year, paid for by the department. The curriculum is provided by the department and completed on-duty - no conferences, no seminars and no searching!
- Paramedic 60 hours ($600 value)
- Intermediate/Advanced 50 hours ($500 value)
- Basic 40 hours ($400 value)
Extras
Career Training
Specialty divisions provide on-duty training! Expand your knowledge and make your career what you want it be!
- Hazardous Materials Task Force
- Heavy Technical Rescue Task Force
- Wildland Division
- Technical Services
- Dispatch
- Arson
Gear
AFR also provides Nomex station/duty uniforms and your structural firefighting gear and mask!
- Station/duty Nomex ($1123 value)
- Station boots ($126 value)
- Structural Firefighting Gear and Mask ($2860 value)
- Wildland Gear ($382 value)
- Whites Boots ($220 value)
American Heart Association
AFR offers FREE on-duty courses:
- BLS ($60 value)
- ACLS ($110 value)
- PALS ($110 value)
- BLS Instructor ($170 value)
- ACLS Instructor ($180 value)
- PALS Instructor ($180 value)