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Average Firefighters Salary in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN

Firefighters in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $66,530. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a robust demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized training requirements within this region. The local economic landscape and specific needs of the community likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,530 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,940.
  • Outlook: The Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area demonstrates a strong job market for firefighters, with a total local workforce of 3,660 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.55 suggests that this region has a significantly higher concentration of firefighter jobs compared to the national average, implying robust and sustained demand for these essential services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,530

The average Firefighters in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN earns+53.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32

Weekly

$1,279

Monthly

$5,544

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN

Career progression for firefighters in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while experienced firefighters with specialized skills and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The salary distribution, with higher earners likely representing senior positions, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$36,970$17.8
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$49,898$24
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$66,290$31.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$83,163$40
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$88,940$42.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,530

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,530

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $66,530 for firefighters in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a high cost of living.

Job Market Context

3,660

Total Jobs

3.333

Per 1K Jobs

1.55

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN has 1.6x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.55, the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area exhibits a higher concentration of firefighter employment than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand for skilled firefighters is notably strong, potentially leading to more opportunities and favorable negotiation power for qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is $66,530. This typically ranges from $36,970 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 Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is 53.4% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this area earn a substantial $66,530 annually, significantly above the national average. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this salary offers excellent purchasing power.

Is Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area ($54,860) and Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.

How does the firefighter salary in Indianapolis compare to the national average?

The average firefighter salary in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is $66,530, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Indianapolis compared to the rest of the country?

The Location Quotient of 1.55 indicates that Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN has a 55% higher concentration of firefighters than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Indianapolis?

No, the cost of living in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $66,530 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.

How many firefighters are employed in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area?

There are approximately 3,660 firefighters employed within the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,660 employees in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area with a job density of 3.333 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.