Average Firefighters Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Firefighters in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $56,370. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a localized premium for the profession. Factors such as regional demand, cost of operations, and the specific needs of the community likely contribute to this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,330.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 660 individuals, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of firefighters. The Location Quotient of 0.55 suggests that while firefighters are present, the concentration is below the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with the workforce size rather than an oversaturated or exceptionally scarce market.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns+29.9%above the national average.
$27.1
$1,084
$4,698
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in public service and emergency response compensation. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel in this vital profession.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for firefighters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, typically scales with experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and leadership roles will command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between different experience levels signify clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on expertise and tenure within the fire department.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $37,210 | $17.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $42,278 | $20.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $55,410 | $26.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $70,463 | $33.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $70,330 | $33.8 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $56,370 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
1.175
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.55x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.55 for firefighters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, indicates that the concentration of this profession is less than half the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for firefighters, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for those entering the field or seeking employment, without intense competition from a disproportionately large number of peers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Firefighters Salary | $44,390↓ 21% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Firefighters Salary | $45,560↓ 19% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Firefighters Salary | $52,800↓ 6% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Firefighters Salary | $51,110↓ 9% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $45,860↓ 19% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $56,370. This typically ranges from $37,210 for entry-level positions to $70,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 29.9% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Firefighters in this region earn $56,370 annually, which is notably higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($44,390) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $56,370, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.55, meaning it is less than half the national average concentration of firefighters.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $56,370 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, offering good value.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.55 imply for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.55, suggests that the profession is less concentrated than the national average, potentially indicating a healthy job market with steady demand for qualified individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 1.175 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI