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Average Firefighters Salary in Birmingham, AL

Firefighters in Birmingham, AL earn an impressive average annual salary of $52,070, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation reflects the robust demand and specialized nature of firefighting roles within the Birmingham metropolitan area, often influenced by local economic factors and the cost of essential services.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $52,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,480.
  • Outlook: Birmingham's firefighter job market appears robust, with a total local workforce of 2,420 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.17 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly 2.2 times the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a significant presence of firefighting professionals within the city's employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$52,070

The average Firefighters in Birmingham, AL earns+20.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25

Weekly

$1,001

Monthly

$4,339

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL

Career progression for firefighters in Birmingham, AL, is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can expect to earn significantly more. The salary distribution, with higher percentiles representing senior roles, clearly signifies a rewarding career path with substantial earning potential as one advances.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$32,600$15.7
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$39,053$18.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$49,900$24
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$65,088$31.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$78,480$37.7

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$52,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,070

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $52,070 for firefighters in Birmingham, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to that of the average worker nationwide, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.

Job Market Context

2,420

Total Jobs

4.672

Per 1K Jobs

2.17

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Birmingham, AL has 2.2x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 2.17, Birmingham, AL, presents a market where firefighters are notably more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong, established demand for these professionals, indicating that the job market is not only competitive but also offers abundant opportunities for skilled individuals in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Tuscaloosa, AL Firefighters Salary$66,680↑ 28%47 mi
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$40,360↓ 22%50 mi
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$50,140↓ 4%50 mi
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$37,290↓ 28%50 mi
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$41,520↓ 20%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Birmingham, AL?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Birmingham, AL is $52,070. This typically ranges from $32,600 for entry-level positions to $78,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 20.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Birmingham, AL is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Birmingham earn approximately 20% more than the national average, and the local cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($66,680) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Birmingham, AL?

The average annual salary for a Firefighter in Birmingham, AL is $52,070.

How does Birmingham's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Birmingham, AL earn $52,070 annually, which is higher than the national average of $43,380.

Is the job market for Firefighters strong in Birmingham, AL?

Yes, the job market is strong, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.17, meaning the concentration of firefighter jobs is more than double the national average.

What is the Cost of Living in Birmingham, AL compared to the national average?

Birmingham, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning living expenses are comparable nationwide.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,420 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 4.672 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL