Average Firefighters Salary in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN
Firefighters in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN area earn an impressive average annual salary of $47,490, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the specialized skills, demanding physical conditions, and critical public safety role inherent to the profession, coupled with local economic factors that support higher pay scales for essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,140.
- Outlook: The La Crosse-Onalaska region demonstrates a robust demand for firefighters, evidenced by a total local workforce of 270 individuals in this role. With a Location Quotient of 1.53, the concentration of firefighter jobs is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing need for these professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN earns+9.5%above the national average.
$22.8
$913
$3,958
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in La Crosse-Onalaska have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation for public safety roles. This upward trajectory is typically driven by factors such as inflation, evolving training requirements, and increased demand for experienced personnel.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN
Career progression for firefighters in La Crosse-Onalaska typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting and experienced firefighter salaries generally widens considerably, reflecting the accumulation of specialized skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities over time.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,370 | $14.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $35,618 | $17.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $46,530 | $22.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $59,363 | $28.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $73,140 | $35.2 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,490 for firefighters in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN 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 region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
3.303
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN has 1.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.53 for firefighters in La Crosse-Onalaska indicates a market where this profession is 53% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a potentially competitive job market, where employers may actively seek to attract and retain skilled firefighters due to their relative abundance compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN Firefighters Salary | $59,600↑ 26% | 64 mi |
| Eau Claire, WI Firefighters Salary | $42,590↓ 10% | 70 mi |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $43,410↓ 9% | 86 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $48,370↑ 2% | 86 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $50,050↑ 5% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN is $47,490. This typically ranges from $29,370 for entry-level positions to $73,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN is 9.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in La Crosse-Onalaska earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Rochester, MN ($59,600) and Eau Claire, WI.
How does the firefighter salary in La Crosse-Onalaska compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in La Crosse-Onalaska is $47,490, which is higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in La Crosse-Onalaska compared to the rest of the country?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.53, meaning there are significantly more firefighter jobs per worker in La Crosse-Onalaska than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in La Crosse-Onalaska?
No, the cost of living in La Crosse-Onalaska is exactly at the national average (100), so the higher salary directly translates to better purchasing power.
How many firefighters are employed in the La Crosse-Onalaska area?
There are approximately 270 firefighters employed in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN area with a job density of 3.303 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 La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN