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Average Firefighters Salary in Cleveland, OH

Firefighters in Cleveland, OH, earn an impressive average annual salary of $60,440, substantially exceeding the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of local demand, the critical nature of the role, and potentially specific municipal or regional funding structures that prioritize public safety personnel.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $60,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,830.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,070 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 1.82, Cleveland demonstrates a robust and concentrated demand for these essential professionals. The LQ significantly above 1.0 indicates that firefighters are more prevalent in Cleveland's labor market compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and stable job outlook for the profession within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$60,440

The average Firefighters in Cleveland, OH earns+39.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.1

Weekly

$1,162

Monthly

$5,037

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Cleveland, OH

The salary progression for firefighters in Cleveland typically scales with experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles command higher salaries. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would signify clear career advancement opportunities and the associated earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$37,610$18.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$45,330$21.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$62,460$30
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$75,550$36.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$77,830$37.4

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$60,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$60,440

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $60,440 in Cleveland aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Cleveland is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location without the added burden of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

4,070

Total Jobs

3.927

Per 1K Jobs

1.82

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Cleveland, OH has 1.8x 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.

Cleveland's Location Quotient of 1.82 signifies a significantly higher concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive job market where demand for these services is notably strong, offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Akron, OH Firefighters Salary$62,120↑ 3%29 mi
Canton-Massillon, OH Firefighters Salary$44,580↓ 26%49 mi
Sandusky, OH Firefighters Salary$50,040↓ 17%53 mi
Youngstown-Warren, OH Firefighters Salary$46,590↓ 23%60 mi
Mansfield, OH Firefighters Salary$48,500↓ 20%66 mi

Comparing salaries near Cleveland, OH

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Cleveland, OH?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Cleveland, OH is $60,440. This typically ranges from $37,610 for entry-level positions to $77,830 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Cleveland, OH is 39.3% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Cleveland, OH a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Cleveland, OH is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Cleveland earn significantly more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.

Is Cleveland, OH a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Cleveland, OH?

Some top paying nearby cities include Akron, OH ($62,120) and Canton-Massillon, OH.

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

Firefighters in Cleveland earn an average of $60,440 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Cleveland compared to the rest of the country?

Cleveland has a higher concentration of firefighters, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.82, meaning they are more prevalent in the local workforce than the national average.

Does the cost of living in Cleveland affect the firefighter salary?

No, the cost of living in Cleveland is exactly at the national average (100 index), meaning the $60,440 salary offers average national purchasing power.

How many firefighters are employed in Cleveland?

There are approximately 4,070 firefighters employed in the Cleveland, OH area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,070 employees in the Cleveland, OH area with a job density of 3.927 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 Cleveland, OH