SA firefighters score pay rise, bonus

South Australian firefighters will get pay increases and a one-off bonus as part of a new enterprise agreement.

The state government on Monday said a ballot of Metropolitan Fire Service employees had overwhelmingly backed the new deal.

It includes five per cent back pay to cover the past two years and three per cent increases in each of the next three years.

Firefighters will also get a $1500 bonus with the new arrangements to be lodged with the South Australian Employment Tribunal for final approval.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs said firefighters had waited too long for a new pay deal after failing to reach an agreement with the previous Liberal state government.

"We've acted promptly and in good faith to reconcile that and pay our heroes what they deserve," he said.

In comments ahead of the ballot, United Firefighters Union state president Chas Thomas said it had been the solidarity of its members over an extended period of negotiations that had resulted in the improved offer.

"We do believe this is an improved offer worthy of our members' consideration," he said.

"It's been a long time since we've had a pay rise, so we do know we all need relief. People need some more money to go around."