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Average Firefighters Salary in Huntsville, AL

Firefighters in Huntsville, AL earn an average annual salary of $50,840, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,380. This localized pay differential is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, demand for essential services, and the specific operational needs of the fire department within the Huntsville metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,840 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,890.
  • Outlook: Huntsville's fire department workforce comprises approximately 500 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the concentration of firefighters is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 1.925 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these vital public safety roles within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,840

The average Firefighters in Huntsville, AL earns+17.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.4

Weekly

$978

Monthly

$4,237

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL

Salary progression for firefighters in Huntsville, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory roles will earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$36,540$17.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$38,130$18.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$47,490$22.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$63,550$30.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$61,890$29.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,840

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,840

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,840 in Huntsville, AL, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Huntsville is equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

500

Total Jobs

1.925

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Huntsville, AL has 0.89x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that Huntsville has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and stable, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals entering or advancing within the profession in this specific region.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Decatur, AL Firefighters Salary$46,660↓ 8%22 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Firefighters Salary$45,570↓ 10%59 mi
Gadsden, AL Firefighters Salary$34,950↓ 31%60 mi
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$44,870↓ 12%73 mi
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$43,420↓ 15%73 mi

Comparing salaries near Huntsville, AL

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Huntsville, AL?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Huntsville, AL is $50,840. This typically ranges from $36,540 for entry-level positions to $61,890 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 17.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Huntsville, AL offers competitive compensation for Firefighters.The average salary of $50,840 surpasses the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, indicating strong purchasing power for local Firefighters.

Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($46,660) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.

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

Firefighters in Huntsville, AL earn an average of $50,840 annually, which is approximately $7,460 more than the national average of $43,380.

What is the cost of living in Huntsville, AL for firefighters?

The cost of living in Huntsville, AL is at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the $50,840 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Huntsville, AL?

Huntsville has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.89, suggesting a stable job market.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Huntsville, AL?

There are approximately 500 firefighters employed within the Huntsville, AL workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 1.925 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 Huntsville, AL