Average Firefighters Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Firefighters in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $84,130. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a robust demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized training requirements within this region that contribute to elevated compensation. The concentration of these essential services in a major metropolitan hub often correlates with increased pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,140.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area demonstrates a healthy job market for firefighters, evidenced by a total local workforce of 10,560. The Location Quotient of 1.1 suggests a slightly higher concentration of firefighter roles compared to the national average, implying consistent demand and a stable employment landscape for professionals in this field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+93.9%above the national average.
$40.5
$1,618
$7,011
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for firefighters in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and advancements in training and equipment likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these vital public servants.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for firefighters in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training, leadership roles, or specialized certifications can expect significantly higher compensation. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential throughout a firefighter's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $41,370 | $19.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $63,098 | $30.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $88,290 | $42.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $105,163 | $50.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $123,140 | $59.2 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $84,130 for firefighters in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by firefighters in this region holds its purchasing power at the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for those considering relocation or residing within the area.
Job Market Context
10,560
Total Jobs
2.362
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.1, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area shows a slightly higher concentration of firefighter jobs than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where demand is present and potentially growing, offering good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking employment in this critical sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Firefighters Salary | $56,700↓ 33% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Firefighters Salary | $54,570↓ 35% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Firefighters Salary | $60,770↓ 28% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Firefighters Salary | $58,130↓ 31% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Firefighters Salary | $48,980↓ 42% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $84,130. This typically ranges from $41,370 for entry-level positions to $123,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 93.9% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn an average salary significantly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, allowing for strong purchasing power.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($56,700) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the firefighter salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $84,130, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in the Chicago area?
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area has a Location Quotient of 1.1 for firefighters, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Chicago?
The cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is at the national average (100), meaning the higher nominal salary of $84,130 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
How many firefighters are employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area?
There are approximately 10,560 firefighters employed within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 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 10,560 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 2.362 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN