The starting annual salary for a Fire Recruit is just over $68,000 per year with step, longevity and cost of living pay increases per union contract.1  $5,515/month-Starting Recruit Firefighter Pay. 2  $5,845/month - 6 months. 3  $6,176/month - 18 months.he starting annual salary for a Fire Recruit is just over $68,000 per year with step, longevity and cost of living pay increases per union contract.