In 1870, a fireman in New Jersey made about $2 a day, or $624 a year. Most worked six days a week, often with long hours and no real time off. A week’s pay ($12) had to cover basics like room and board ($5), boots ($4.50), and clothing materials. There were no federal income taxes at the time, but local taxes and high prices for certain goods still made money tight. For comparison, gold was $20.67 an ounce, meaning their yearly pay equaled only about 30 ounces of gold.
The job itself was extremely dangerous. Firemen had to pull heavy wagons by hand, climb ladders without safety gear, and fight fires in buildings that could collapse at any moment. Smoke, heat, and injury were part of daily life. They also had to be on alert constantly, patrolling neighborhoods for fires before alarms or phone systems existed.
Today’s firefighters have modern tools, protective gear, and much better pay, over $50,000 per year on average. But back then, it was all grit, strength, and bravery. These early firemen risked their lives every day with little reward, laying the groundwork for the fire departments we depend on now.