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Average Firefighters Salary in Maryland

Firefighters in Maryland earn an impressive average annual salary of $72,070, substantially higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is often dictated by the state's unique economic landscape, including a higher cost of living and specific demands for emergency services.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $72,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,940.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,250 firefighters and a location quotient of 0.89, Maryland's job market for this profession is robust, though slightly below the national concentration. The presence of nearly 2 firefighters per 1,000 workers indicates a steady demand for these essential services across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$72,070

The average Firefighters in Maryland earns+66.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.7

Weekly

$1,386

Monthly

$6,006

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Maryland

Salary progression for firefighters in Maryland is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and leadership roles command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$45,450$21.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$54,053$26
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$70,580$33.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$90,088$43.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$99,940$48

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$72,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,610

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

The average firefighter salary of $72,070 in Maryland must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 125.1. While the nominal salary is attractive, the 25.1% higher cost of living compared to the national average means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished, requiring careful financial planning for those considering relocation.

Job Market Context

5,250

Total Jobs

1.912

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Maryland has 0.89x 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.

Maryland's location quotient of 0.89 suggests that the concentration of firefighters is slightly below the national average. This indicates a market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, implying a stable and competitive environment for both employers seeking qualified candidates and individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Firefighters Salary$71,160↓ 1%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Firefighters Salary$72,990↑ 1%19 mi
York-Hanover, PA Firefighters Salary$63,760↓ 12%62 mi

Comparing salaries near Maryland

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Maryland?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Maryland is $72,070. This typically ranges from $45,450 for entry-level positions to $99,940 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maryland is 66.1% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Maryland a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Maryland offers a lucrative compensation package for Firefighters.The average salary of $72,070 significantly surpasses the national average, providing a strong financial incentive despite the higher cost of living.

Is Maryland a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?

Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($71,160) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

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

Firefighters in Maryland earn an average of $72,070 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the job concentration for firefighters in Maryland?

Maryland has a location quotient of 0.89 for firefighters, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Maryland affect a firefighter's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, Maryland is more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher salary is partially offset by increased living expenses.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Maryland?

Maryland employs a total of 5,250 firefighters, reflecting a substantial workforce dedicated to public safety within the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,250 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 1.912 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 Maryland