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Average Firefighters Salary in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

Firefighters in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $49,790. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $43,380, suggesting that local demand and the specific economic conditions within this region contribute to a more favorable compensation package for these essential public servants.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,330.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,050 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, indicates a stable and robust demand for this profession. The concentration is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a healthy, established presence of firefighting roles that are well-integrated into the community's needs.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,790

The average Firefighters in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA earns+14.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.9

Weekly

$958

Monthly

$4,149

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

The career path for firefighters typically involves significant salary progression based on experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior firefighters, captains, and battalion chiefs, with their extensive training and leadership responsibilities, can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$36,510$17.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$37,343$18
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$47,770$23
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$62,238$29.9
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$66,330$31.9

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,790

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $49,790 for firefighters in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective, though other lifestyle factors may influence the decision.

Job Market Context

6,050

Total Jobs

2.108

Per 1K Jobs

0.98

Location Quotient

Below Average

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has 0.98x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.98 for firefighters in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, indicates that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet balanced job market; while not significantly over-represented, the presence of a substantial number of roles ensures ample opportunities for qualified individuals without an overwhelming surplus of candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $49,790. This typically ranges from $36,510 for entry-level positions to $66,330 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 14.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is slightly more lucrative than the national average.Firefighters in this area earn approximately $6,410 more annually than the national average, while maintaining a cost of living that matches the national benchmark.

Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($45,730) and Rome, GA.

How does the Atlanta firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $49,790, which is higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the job concentration for firefighters in Atlanta?

The Location Quotient is 0.98, indicating that the concentration of firefighter jobs in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is very close to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Atlanta?

No, the cost of living in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100, which is the national average, meaning the salary of $49,790 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many firefighters are employed in the Atlanta area?

There are approximately 6,050 firefighters employed within the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,050 employees in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area with a job density of 2.108 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.