SalaryByCity

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare vs Firefighters: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

$56,270

Median annual salary

71,620 employed nationally

Firefighters

$59,530

Median annual salary

332,240 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Firefighters professionals earn $3,260 more per year than Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare professionals — that's 5.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare earns $96,400 compared to $101,330 for Firefighters.

Salary Range Comparison

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$37,060$96,400
Firefighters$34,490$101,330
$34,490$101,330

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileEducation and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and DaycareFirefightersDifference
10th Percentile$37,060$34,490+$2,570
25th Percentile$45,310$44,180+$1,130
Median (50th)$56,270$59,530$-3,260
75th Percentile$72,690$77,410$-4,720
90th Percentile$96,400$101,330$-4,930
Mean (Average)$62,640$63,890$-1,250

Employment Numbers

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

71,620

employed nationwide

Firefighters

332,240

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare or Firefighters?
Firefighters professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $3,260 (5.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare?
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare salaries range from $37,060 (10th percentile) to $96,400 (90th percentile), with a median of $56,270.
What is the salary range for Firefighters?
Firefighters salaries range from $34,490 (10th percentile) to $101,330 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,530.
How many Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare and Firefighters jobs are there?
There are approximately 71,620 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare positions and 332,240 Firefighters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Firefighters to Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare has a median salary of $56,270 while Firefighters earns $59,530. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS