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Average Firefighters Salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Firefighters in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY earn an impressive average annual salary of $67,660, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This substantial difference is often dictated by the specific demands and operational costs associated with emergency services in metropolitan areas like Buffalo, influencing compensation structures to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,030.
  • Outlook: The firefighter job market in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, supported by a local workforce of 850 professionals, indicates a stable presence. While the Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of 1.599 jobs per 1,000 workers points to consistent local demand for these essential services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,660

The average Firefighters in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY earns+56.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.5

Weekly

$1,301

Monthly

$5,638

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Salary progression for firefighters in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight the clear career progression and increased earning potential available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$47,590$22.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$50,745$24.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$72,790$35
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$84,575$40.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$80,030$38.5

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$67,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $67,660 in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the compensation is well-balanced with the general cost of goods and services in the area.

Job Market Context

850

Total Jobs

1.599

Per 1K Jobs

0.74

Location Quotient

Below Average

Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY has 0.74x 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 0.74, the firefighter job market in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, there may be fewer firefighters per capita compared to other regions, potentially indicating a competitive environment for new entrants but also a steady demand from local departments.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Rochester, NY Firefighters Salary$79,520↑ 18%65 mi
Erie, PA Firefighters Salary$67,330↓ 0%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is $67,660. This typically ranges from $47,590 for entry-level positions to $80,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 56.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY earn significantly above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Rochester, NY ($79,520) and Erie, PA.

How does the Buffalo-Cheektowaga firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, earn an average of $67,660 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.74, indicating that firefighters are slightly less prevalent in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The cost of living in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, is at the national average (100). This means the higher average salary of $67,660 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many firefighters are employed in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area?

There are approximately 850 firefighters employed within the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area with a job density of 1.599 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 Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY