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Average Firefighters Salary in Florida

Firefighters in Florida earn an impressive average annual salary of $63,610, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation in Florida can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's specific demands on emergency services and the overall economic landscape influencing wage structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,010.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 21,470 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 1.01, Florida demonstrates a robust and stable job market for this critical profession. The concentration of jobs, slightly above the national average, indicates a consistent demand that aligns with the number of professionals serving the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,610

The average Firefighters in Florida earns+46.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.6

Weekly

$1,223

Monthly

$5,301

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Florida

Salary progression for firefighters in Florida typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior positions reflects a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$37,330$17.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$47,708$22.9
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$58,360$28.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$79,513$38.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$90,010$43.3

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$62,180

Adjusted for COL (102.3)

The average firefighter salary of $63,610 in Florida presents a strong purchasing power, especially when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 102.3. While slightly above the national average, this salary comfortably accommodates the cost of living, suggesting that firefighters can maintain a good standard of living in the Sunshine State.

Job Market Context

21,470

Total Jobs

2.187

Per 1K Jobs

1.01

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.01, Florida has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

Florida's Location Quotient of 1.01 for firefighters indicates that the state's job market is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where demand for firefighters is consistent and readily met by the available workforce, offering a stable employment environment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Sebring, FL Firefighters Salary$47,680↓ 25%25 mi
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Firefighters Salary$52,200↓ 18%26 mi
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Firefighters Salary$61,340↓ 4%49 mi
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Firefighters Salary$50,330↓ 21%57 mi
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Firefighters Salary$62,780↓ 1%58 mi

Comparing salaries near Florida

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Florida?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Florida is $63,610. This typically ranges from $37,330 for entry-level positions to $90,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Florida is 46.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Florida a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Florida offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.The average salary of $63,610 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living, while slightly higher, is well-supported by this income.

Is Florida a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Florida is 102.3. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Florida?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sebring, FL ($47,680) and Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL.

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

Firefighters in Florida earn an average of $63,610 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 21,470 firefighters, reflecting a substantial workforce dedicated to public safety within the state.

How does the cost of living in Florida affect a firefighter's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 102.3, Florida is slightly more expensive than the national average. However, the higher firefighter salary generally compensates for this, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.

Is the job market for firefighters in Florida growing?

The Location Quotient of 1.01 suggests that the concentration of firefighter jobs in Florida is stable and closely mirrors the national average, indicating consistent demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 21,470 employees in the Florida area with a job density of 2.187 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 Florida