Employment as a City of Erie firefighter comes with an excellent benefits package. Benefits are subject to contract negotiations with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 293. Current employment benefits for City of Erie firefighters include the following.
Schedule
24-hour shifts
- 24 hours on
- 72 hours off
Salary
- $48,004 starting salary as of 2023
- Scheduled pay increases at 12, 24 and 48 months
- $80,007 salary after 48 Months (Class A Firefighter) as of 2023
- A longevity increment will be applied to the annual base salary starting in year five
- Additional monies are added for obtaining an Emergency Medical Technician certification, Firefighter I certification, and Firefighter II certifications.
Paid Time Off
- Vacation time after one year of service, increasing incrementally with service
- All fire personnel hired on or before June 30 will receive 6 vacation days in that calendar year
- All fire personnel hired on or before July 1 will receive 3 vacation days in that calendar year
- Eleven days of vacation is provided for 10 years or less of service with the department
- Additional vacation days are added to a maximum of 18 vacation days for 20 years or more of service
- 11 paid holidays
- 2 paid personal days
- Paid birthday
- 22 paid sick days per year converted to 12-hour block for suppression at time of hire
Pension and Retirement
- Vested pension rights at 12 years of service
- A cost-of-living adjustment provides that the pension of a retired firefighter will not drop below 50% of the monthly salary being paid to a Class A Firefighter (rate of a 36-month firefighter)
- 457(b) / 401(a) plans available
Allowances
- Clothing and uniform allowance ($400 annually)
- Uniform cleaning allowance ($300 annually)
- Turnout gear provided
Education and Training
- All necessary training for the job is provided through the Erie Fire Department
Insurance
- Medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance provided with minimal employee contribution
- Life insurance provided with double indemnity for accidental death
- Work-related injuries are covered under the Heart & Lung Act, which provides for 100% of salary, tax-free