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Average Firefighters Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA

Firefighters in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $58,770, significantly higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the specialized demands of the role and potentially higher operational costs or specific regional needs within the town and its surrounding areas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,610.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 340 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 2.26, Amherst Town-Northampton demonstrates a strong concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially growing demand for firefighting services in the region, suggesting a stable job market for those in this critical profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,770

The average Firefighters in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA earns+35.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.3

Weekly

$1,130

Monthly

$4,898

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA

The salary progression for firefighters in Amherst Town-Northampton typically sees a significant increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$37,150$17.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$44,078$21.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$60,220$29
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$73,463$35.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$78,610$37.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,770

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average firefighter salary of $58,770 in Amherst Town-Northampton aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain relative to other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

340

Total Jobs

4.879

Per 1K Jobs

2.26

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Amherst Town-Northampton, MA has 2.3x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 2.26 signifies that Amherst Town-Northampton has more than double the national average concentration of firefighters per worker. This suggests a highly specialized local job market where demand for these skills is significantly pronounced, potentially leading to competitive hiring environments and a strong emphasis on experienced professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is $58,770. This typically ranges from $37,150 for entry-level positions to $78,610 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 35.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Amherst Town-Northampton earn substantially more than the national average, with their salary aligning perfectly with the national average cost of living.

Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, MA ($66,550) and Worcester, MA.

What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?

The average annual salary for a Firefighter in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is $58,770.

How does the Amherst Town-Northampton firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Amherst Town-Northampton ($58,770) is significantly higher than the national average ($43,380).

What is the Cost of Living in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?

The Cost of Living Index in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?

The firefighter job market is highly concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 2.26, indicating more than double the national average presence of firefighters per worker.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA area with a job density of 4.879 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.