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Average Firefighters Salary in Indiana

Firefighters in Indiana earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,850, substantially exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation in Indiana is likely driven by a combination of factors including the state's specific demand for emergency services and the overall economic landscape that supports competitive wages for these critical roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,940.
  • Outlook: Indiana's firefighter job market appears robust, supporting a local workforce of 8,550 professionals. The location quotient of 1.24 indicates a higher concentration of these roles in Indiana compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a potentially stable job market for aspiring and current firefighters within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,850

The average Firefighters in Indiana earns+42.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.7

Weekly

$1,189

Monthly

$5,154

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Indiana

Salary progression for firefighters in Indiana typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and years of service can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary data clearly signify this career progression, rewarding dedication and expertise within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$36,940$17.8
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$46,388$22.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$61,470$29.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$77,313$37.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$88,940$42.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,722

Adjusted for COL (90)

The average annual salary of $61,850 in Indiana presents a strong financial advantage when considered against the state's cost of living index of 90. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's income in Indiana is higher than the national average, allowing for a better quality of life and greater financial flexibility compared to living in a higher cost-of-living area with a similar nominal salary.

Job Market Context

8,550

Total Jobs

2.682

Per 1K Jobs

1.24

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.24, Indiana has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

With a location quotient of 1.24, Indiana demonstrates a notable concentration of firefighter positions relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market for firefighters in Indiana is more abundant than in many other states, potentially leading to increased competition for roles but also indicating a strong and established presence of the profession within the state's economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Firefighters Salary$66,530↑ 8%8 mi
Columbus, IN Firefighters Salary$49,860↓ 19%48 mi
Bloomington, IN Firefighters Salary$40,620↓ 34%49 mi
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Firefighters Salary$56,810↓ 8%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Indiana

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Indiana?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Indiana is $61,850. This typically ranges from $36,940 for entry-level positions to $88,940 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Indiana is 42.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Indiana a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Indiana offers lucrative opportunities for Firefighters.The average salary of $61,850 significantly surpasses the national average, and the lower cost of living further enhances earning potential.

Is Indiana a good place to live for Firefighters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Indiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($66,530) and Columbus, IN.

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

Indiana firefighters earn an average of $61,850 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Indiana?

Indiana has a location quotient of 1.24 for firefighters, indicating a 24% higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Indiana affect firefighter salaries?

Indiana's cost of living index is 90, which is below the national average of 100. This means the $61,850 salary provides greater purchasing power for Indiana residents.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Indiana?

There are approximately 8,550 firefighters employed within the state of Indiana.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,550 employees in the Indiana area with a job density of 2.682 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 Indiana