Average Firefighters Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Firefighters in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $72,990. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized training requirements that influence compensation in this region. The robust pay reflects the critical nature of the role and the specific economic landscape of Maryland.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,680.
- Outlook: The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area supports a local workforce of 2,490 firefighters. With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 1.859 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for skilled fire service professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns+68.3%above the national average.
$35.1
$1,404
$6,083
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for firefighters across the nation, including in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD region, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and evolving training and certification requirements that necessitate higher compensation to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Salary progression for firefighters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies the career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential available within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $46,120 | $22.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $54,743 | $26.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $73,000 | $35.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $91,238 | $43.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $98,680 | $47.4 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $72,990 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher pay is balanced by the local economic conditions, making it a financially neutral move from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
2,490
Total Jobs
1.859
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 0.86x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD market for firefighters is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the demand is present, the job market is not saturated, offering a potentially favorable environment for job seekers. It suggests a healthy balance where the number of available positions is commensurate with the number of professionals in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $52,480↓ 28% | 19 mi |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Firefighters Salary | $71,160↓ 3% | 35 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Firefighters Salary | $63,760↓ 13% | 47 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Firefighters Salary | $56,300↓ 23% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $72,990. This typically ranges from $46,120 for entry-level positions to $98,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 68.3% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.The average salary of $72,990 significantly exceeds the national average, and it is balanced by a cost of living that matches the national index, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($52,480) and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.
How does the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, is $72,990, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.86, indicating that the proportion of firefighters in the local workforce is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The cost of living in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, is at the national average (index 100), meaning the higher salary of $72,990 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of firefighters in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD workforce?
There are approximately 2,490 firefighters employed within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD 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 2,490 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 1.859 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD