Average Firefighters Salary in Illinois
Firefighters in Illinois command an impressive average annual salary of $76,650, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This substantial difference is largely attributable to the specific economic conditions and demand within Illinois, which necessitate higher compensation for this critical public service role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $117,060.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 14,510, Illinois demonstrates a robust job market for firefighters. The location quotient of 1.11 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting consistent demand and a stable employment landscape for fire service professionals in the state.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Illinois earns+76.7%above the national average.
$36.9
$1,474
$6,388
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Illinois have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation for essential service workers. This upward trajectory is likely driven by factors such as inflation, evolving job responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Illinois
Salary progression for firefighters in Illinois typically correlates 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 significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within the fire service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $33,760 | $16.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $57,488 | $27.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $79,080 | $38 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $95,813 | $46.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $117,060 | $56.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,497
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $76,650 in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when considering the state's cost of living index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of an Illinois firefighter's salary is likely higher than the nominal figure might initially imply, offering a good quality of life.
Job Market Context
14,510
Total Jobs
2.392
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
Illinois's location quotient of 1.11 for firefighters indicates a market where the profession is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for fire services within the state, making the job market competitive but also offering ample opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Firefighters Salary | $61,600↓ 20% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Firefighters Salary | $64,590↓ 16% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Firefighters Salary | $60,860↓ 21% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Firefighters Salary | $62,640↓ 18% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Firefighters Salary | $61,510↓ 20% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Illinois is $76,650. This typically ranges from $33,760 for entry-level positions to $117,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 76.7% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Illinois is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Illinois earn a significantly higher average salary than the national average, coupled with a cost of living that is below the national average, enhancing their overall financial well-being.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Firefighters?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($61,600) and Decatur, IL.
How does the number of firefighters in Illinois compare to the national average?
With 14,510 firefighters, Illinois has a substantial workforce in this sector. The location quotient of 1.11 suggests a slightly higher concentration of firefighters per capita compared to the national average, indicating a strong presence of the profession within the state.
What is the cost of living for firefighters in Illinois?
The cost of living in Illinois is 91.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the average salary of $76,650 provides a relatively good purchasing power for firefighters residing in the state.
Are there many job opportunities for firefighters in Illinois?
Yes, the location quotient of 1.11 and a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 2.392 suggest a healthy demand and a good number of opportunities for firefighters in Illinois.
How does experience impact a firefighter's salary in Illinois?
Experience is a significant factor in salary determination for firefighters in Illinois. Entry-level positions offer a starting salary, which increases substantially with years of service, advanced training, and promotions to senior or specialized roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 14,510 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 2.392 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 Illinois