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Average Firefighters Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL

Firefighters in Champaign-Urbana, IL can expect an average annual salary of $60,860, significantly higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the specific demands and responsibilities inherent to the role within this metropolitan area, potentially including specialized training requirements or unique regional risks.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $60,860 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,280.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 290 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 1.29, Champaign-Urbana demonstrates a concentration of these professionals that is 29% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and stable job market for firefighters in the area, indicating consistent demand and a healthy employment landscape for those in the profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$60,860

The average Firefighters in Champaign-Urbana, IL earns+40.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.3

Weekly

$1,170

Monthly

$5,072

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Champaign-Urbana, IL

The salary progression for firefighters in Champaign-Urbana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior firefighters with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$31,200$15
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$45,645$21.9
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$61,340$29.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$76,075$36.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$88,280$42.4

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$60,860

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$60,860

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $60,860 in Champaign-Urbana aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this location is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

2.788

Per 1K Jobs

1.29

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.29, Champaign-Urbana, IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.29 indicates that Champaign-Urbana has a higher concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where demand for skilled professionals is present, but the increased presence of these roles implies a well-established fire service infrastructure within the community.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Champaign-Urbana, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $60,860. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $88,280 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 40.3% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Champaign-Urbana, IL offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters here earn considerably more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing their real earnings.

Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Champaign-Urbana, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($64,590) and West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Champaign-Urbana firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $60,860, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for firefighters in Champaign-Urbana?

An LQ of 1.29 means that Champaign-Urbana has 29% more firefighters per worker than the national average, indicating a strong presence and potential demand for the profession in the area.

Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Champaign-Urbana?

No, the cost of living in Champaign-Urbana is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $60,860 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, making it a financially stable location.

How many firefighters are employed in the Champaign-Urbana area?

The total local workforce for firefighters in Champaign-Urbana, IL is approximately 290 individuals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area with a job density of 2.788 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.