Average Firefighters Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Firefighters in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earn an average annual salary of $56,810, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation reflects the specific demands and responsibilities inherent to the role within this particular metropolitan area, potentially influenced by local economic factors and the cost of essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,350.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 220 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.99, the Lafayette-West Lafayette job market demonstrates a stable and consistent demand for these essential professionals. The concentration is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a healthy and balanced employment landscape for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns+31.0%above the national average.
$27.3
$1,093
$4,734
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Lafayette-West Lafayette have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is often driven by increased cost of living adjustments, evolving safety standards, and the continuous need for skilled emergency responders.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions often serve as a foundation, with salaries gradually scaling upwards through mid-level roles to senior positions. The percentile gaps in salary data are a clear indicator of this career progression, rewarding accumulated expertise and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $35,190 | $16.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $42,608 | $20.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $55,500 | $26.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $71,013 | $34.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $72,350 | $34.8 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $56,810 in Lafayette-West Lafayette aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
2.136
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 0.99x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.99 for firefighters in Lafayette-West Lafayette suggests a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a competitive yet accessible environment, where the number of available positions is proportionate to the national distribution, offering steady opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $54,860↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $53,960↓ 5% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $54,900↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Firefighters Salary | $66,530↑ 17% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $56,810. This typically ranges from $35,190 for entry-level positions to $72,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 31.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Lafayette-West Lafayette offers competitive compensation for Firefighters.Firefighters in this area earn $56,810 annually, which is notably higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living index at the national average, this salary provides strong purchasing power.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area ($54,860) and Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lafayette-West Lafayette firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Lafayette-West Lafayette earn an average of $56,810 annually, which is $13,430 more than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Lafayette-West Lafayette compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient is 0.99, indicating that the concentration of firefighters in Lafayette-West Lafayette is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $56,810 salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in Lafayette-West Lafayette?
There are approximately 220 firefighters employed in the Lafayette-West Lafayette area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 2.136 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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN