Albuquerque firefighters are seeing significant pay increases in their paychecks following the implementation of a three-year contract that delivers millions in compensation improvements and expanded benefits.
The agreement between the city and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 244, which represents Albuquerque Fire Rescue personnel, provides $17.8 million in total compensation enhancements over three years. Most notably, paramedics received a substantial 15% pay boost as part of enhanced Emergency Medical Services licensure compensation.
“Public safety is our top priority and we value the work and commitment of our firefighters,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a press release. “This contract is a strong example of our productive working relationship with labor – in this case IAFF Local 244 – and the continuation of our historic investments over the past eight years to recruit and retain firefighters.”
The contract, originally signed in July 2024 with support from Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo and approval from the City Council, includes 4% across-the-board salary increases designed to keep Albuquerque Fire Rescue competitive with surrounding departments, according to a city press release.
Additional improvements include increased differential pay between promotional ranks, rising from 10% to 12.5%, and varying EMS licensure increases: 3.5% for EMT-Basics assigned to rescue apparatus and 5% for EMT-Intermediates, in addition to the 15% paramedic increase.
Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel emphasized that the enhanced compensation reflects the evolving demands placed on first responders.
“Firefighters face new challenges all the time as we respond to the public safety needs of our communities,” Sengel said in a press release. “We owe it to first-responders to ensure they are compensated for stepping up and meeting these challenges.”
The agreement also introduces a new longevity pay level aimed at promoting long-term retention and expands injury leave provisions to ensure firefighters have adequate time to recover from line-of-duty injuries.
City officials characterized the contract as a landmark investment in strengthening Albuquerque’s public safety workforce and maintaining high emergency response standards for residents across the metropolitan area.
