Average Firefighters Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Firefighters in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area earn an average annual salary of $66,680, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation reflects the specialized demands and inherent risks associated with the role, often necessitating local pay scales that account for regional economic factors and the cost of essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,730.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 320 Firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.4, the job market in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ indicates a moderate concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. While not a hub of extreme demand, the presence of nearly one Firefighter per thousand workers suggests a stable employment landscape for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns+53.7%above the national average.
$32.1
$1,282
$5,557
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Firefighters in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ have seen consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is generally driven by factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and ongoing efforts to ensure competitive compensation to attract and retain skilled personnel.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Career progression for Firefighters typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and leadership responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $34,160 | $16.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $50,010 | $24 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $80,300 | $38.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $83,350 | $40.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $81,730 | $39.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,680 for Firefighters in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Firefighter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard of living comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
0.858
Per 1K Jobs
0.4
Location Quotient
At 0.40x, Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has a notably lower concentration of Firefighters jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.4 for Firefighters in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ suggests that this profession is less concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This could imply a less saturated job market, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified individuals, though it also indicates that the demand might not be exceptionally high relative to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Firefighters Salary | $57,990↓ 13% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Firefighters Salary | $79,010↑ 18% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Firefighters Salary | $73,680↑ 10% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Firefighters Salary | $56,810↓ 15% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Firefighters Salary | $56,180↓ 16% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $66,680. This typically ranges from $34,160 for entry-level positions to $81,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 53.7% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this area earn significantly more than the national average, and their salary holds its value due to a cost of living index at the national average.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($57,990) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the local Firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Firefighters in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $66,680, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the total number of Firefighters in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area?
The total local workforce for Firefighters in this region is approximately 320 individuals.
How does the concentration of Firefighters in this area compare nationally?
The Location Quotient for Firefighters is 0.4, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Firefighter salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
No, the cost of living in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is at the national average (100), meaning the $66,680 salary offers a comparable standard of living to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 0.858 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 Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ