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Average Firefighters Salary in Eau Claire, WI

Firefighters in Eau Claire, WI, earn an average annual salary of $42,590. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,380, indicating that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this Wisconsin city. While the pay is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local market dynamics is key for aspiring or current firefighters in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,590 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,490.
  • Outlook: Eau Claire, WI, supports a local workforce of 270 firefighters, with 3.204 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.49 suggests a higher concentration of firefighter jobs in Eau Claire compared to the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing demand for these essential services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,590

The average Firefighters in Eau Claire, WI earns-1.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.5

Weekly

$819

Monthly

$3,549

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Eau Claire, WI

Career progression for firefighters in Eau Claire, WI, is typically marked by salary increases as experience is gained. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with years of service and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, with the percentile gaps reflecting this advancement through the ranks.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$34,680$16.7
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$31,943$15.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$41,370$19.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$53,238$25.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$56,490$27.2

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,590

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,590

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary for firefighters in Eau Claire, WI, stands at $42,590. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median. This means that the take-home pay in Eau Claire for firefighters is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

3.204

Per 1K Jobs

1.49

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.49, Eau Claire, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

Eau Claire, WI, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.49 for firefighters, indicating that the city has a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a more abundant job market for firefighters in Eau Claire, potentially offering more opportunities and a slightly more competitive environment for new entrants compared to areas with a lower LQ.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Firefighters Salary$47,490↑ 12%70 mi
Rochester, MN Firefighters Salary$59,600↑ 40%74 mi
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Firefighters Salary$51,460↑ 21%87 mi
Wausau, WI Firefighters Salary$48,980↑ 15%91 mi

Comparing salaries near Eau Claire, WI

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Eau Claire, WI?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Eau Claire, WI is $42,590. This typically ranges from $34,680 for entry-level positions to $56,490 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Eau Claire, WI is 1.8% lower than the national median of $43,380.

Is Eau Claire, WI a lucrative place for Firefighters?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $42,590 is close to the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, it does not present a substantially more lucrative opportunity. However, the higher concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.49) may offer more stability and opportunity.

Is Eau Claire, WI a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Eau Claire, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Eau Claire, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($47,490) and Rochester, MN.

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

The average firefighter salary in Eau Claire, WI, is $42,590, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,380.

What is the Cost of Living in Eau Claire, WI for firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Eau Claire, WI, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary is comparable to the national median.

Is there strong demand for firefighters in Eau Claire, WI?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.49 suggests a higher concentration of firefighter jobs in Eau Claire compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand.

How many firefighters are employed in Eau Claire, WI?

There are approximately 270 firefighters employed in Eau Claire, WI, with 3.204 jobs per 1,000 workers in the area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Eau Claire, WI area with a job density of 3.204 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 Eau Claire, WI