Average Firefighters Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Firefighters in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area earn a robust average annual salary of $72,580, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation is often dictated by the specific demands and responsibilities inherent in municipal fire services within this region, alongside local economic factors that influence pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,680.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 580 firefighters and a location quotient of 0.6, the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally dense, job market for firefighters in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+67.3%above the national average.
$34.9
$1,396
$6,048
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, like in many other regions, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased cost of living, and evolving demands on emergency services, leading to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Salary progression for firefighters in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned veterans with extensive training and years of service can expect to earn significantly more, often reaching into the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the accumulation of skills, responsibilities, and demonstrated performance, signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $48,810 | $23.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $54,435 | $26.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $73,130 | $35.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $90,725 | $43.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $96,680 | $46.5 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $72,580 for firefighters in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the compensation is well-balanced with the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
1.302
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 0.60x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.6 for firefighters in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, indicates that the concentration of these jobs is below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, it is not as densely populated as in other parts of the country, potentially leading to a less saturated job market for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield, MA Firefighters Salary | $55,140↓ 24% | 31 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $66,060↓ 9% | 68 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $67,370↓ 7% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $72,580. This typically ranges from $48,810 for entry-level positions to $96,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 67.3% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.The average salary of $72,580 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($55,140) and Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Albany firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, earn an average of $72,580 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the job market like for firefighters in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The job market is stable, with a total local workforce of 580 firefighters and a concentration (location quotient) slightly below the national average, suggesting steady demand without extreme competition.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Albany?
No, the cost of living in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, is at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary of $72,580 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there opportunities for career growth for firefighters in this area?
Yes, like most firefighting careers, progression from entry-level to senior roles is expected, with salary increases reflecting accumulated experience and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 1.302 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY