Base Salaries – 2024
- EMT (Entry-Level):
$62,069.99/year
(For comparison, the average EMT-Basic salary in Indiana is $37,047 as of May 2023.) - Paramedic (Entry-Level):
$66,953.46/year
(The average salary for ambulance paramedics in Indiana is $47,854 as of August 2023, typically ranging between $43,158 and $53,468.) - Master Firefighter (Firefighter/Paramedic with 3+ Years of Service):
$70,721.59/year
Raises and Pay Increases
- Scheduled Raise:
A 3.8% salary increase goes into effect on January 1, 2025, as outlined in the current contract.
Uniform Allowance
- Annual Uniform Allowance:
$1,873.28/year
(Paid in two equal installments: half in July and half in December.)
Pension Information
- 2025 Pension Base:
$76,345.37
(In Indiana, firefighter retirement benefits are calculated using this base salary figure.)
Overtime Opportunities
Portage Fire Department offers numerous overtime opportunities, including:
- Covering shifts for paramedic students attending school or members attending the Fire Academy
- Staffing special events or duties
- Filling in for specialty team members attending training during their shifts
Overtime shifts are assigned using the Active911 app. Once a shift is paged out, you can indicate your interest by clicking “Yes.” Overtime is awarded based on two factors:
- Lowest amount of overtime hours worked during the year
- Seniority in the applicable position
Example: If two firefighters have equal overtime hours, the more senior firefighter is awarded the shift.
Additional Pay Opportunities and Incentives
Kelly Pay: Compensated at the overtime rate
[Not sure what Kelly time is? Click here]
Holiday Pay: Paid at 2.5x (double time and a half) for holidays worked
Longevity Pay: Begins after 3 years of service
Specialty Team Pay: Opportunities available for:
- SWAT
- Dive Team
- Honor Guard
- MSA (Air Monitoring/SCBA)
- Fire Investigation
- Instructor / Preceptor roles
[Want to learn more about our Specialty Teams? Click here]
Benefits and Leave
- Uniform Allowance: Eligible for a clothing stipend after 6 months
- Paid Sick Leave: Begins upon hire
- Personal Days: Receive 2 personal days after 90 days
- Shift Exchange: Flexible shift-swapping options available
Health Insurance and Wellness
- Free Premium Family Health Insurance
Provided through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois
[See coverage details – Click here] - Local 150 Family Supplemental Benefit:
Up to $1,500 annual reimbursement
[Learn more – Click here] - Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
Available for qualified healthcare expenses - Retirement Insurance Reimbursement:
Eligible after 20 years of service
Retirement / Advancement
- Indiana 77 Police and Fire Retirement Fund
[Click here for more information] - Paramedic School Support:
We send you to paramedic school — and pay you while you attend
Want more information about our hiring process?