Average Firefighters Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Firefighters in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earn an average annual salary of $58,940, significantly higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and economic conditions within the Elkhart-Goshen metropolitan area, potentially influenced by local public safety needs and the cost of essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,160.
- Outlook: The Elkhart-Goshen area supports a dedicated workforce of 240 firefighters. With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 1.85 firefighter jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential public service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earns+35.9%above the national average.
$28.3
$1,133
$4,912
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elkhart-Goshen firefighters is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for this critical profession have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increased cost of living, evolving training requirements, and a growing recognition of the vital role firefighters play in community safety.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Salary progression for firefighters in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior firefighters with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and leadership roles command significantly higher salaries. The gap between the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile salary serves as a clear indicator of this career advancement potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $38,970 | $18.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $44,205 | $21.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $64,520 | $31 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $73,675 | $35.4 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $71,160 | $34.2 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $58,940 in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.85
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Elkhart-Goshen, IN has 0.86x 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.
Elkhart-Goshen, IN, has a firefighter concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.86, indicating that the proportion of firefighters in the local workforce is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not exceptionally competitive, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Firefighters Salary | $53,360↓ 9% | 16 mi |
| Niles, MI Firefighters Salary | $48,980↓ 17% | 18 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Firefighters Salary | $45,560↓ 23% | 45 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Firefighters Salary | $56,700↓ 4% | 47 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Firefighters Salary | $52,800↓ 10% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elkhart-Goshen, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $58,940. This typically ranges from $38,970 for entry-level positions to $71,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 35.9% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Firefighters in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, earn an average of $58,940 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this salary provides strong purchasing power.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($53,360) and Niles, MI.
How does the Elkhart-Goshen firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, is $58,940, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the job market like for firefighters in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The job market is stable, with 240 firefighters employed locally and a concentration slightly below the national average (LQ of 0.86), indicating consistent demand without extreme competition.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
No, the cost of living in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, is at the national average (100), meaning the local salary of $58,940 holds its value effectively compared to national standards.
How many firefighters are there in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
There are approximately 240 firefighters employed within the Elkhart-Goshen, 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 240 employees in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area with a job density of 1.85 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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN