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Average Firefighters Salary in Michigan

Firefighters in Michigan earn an average annual salary of $55,970, significantly higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation in Michigan can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific demands of the role within the state and the overall economic landscape influencing wage determination for essential public service positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,970 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,590.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 7,390 firefighters, Michigan demonstrates a substantial presence in this vital profession. The location quotient of 0.78 suggests a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable or growing demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,970

The average Firefighters in Michigan earns+29.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.9

Weekly

$1,076

Monthly

$4,664

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Michigan

Salary progression for firefighters in Michigan typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can expect to earn significantly more. The widening salary gap between junior and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated expertise and responsibility within the fire service.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$37,440$18
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$41,978$20.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$55,570$26.7
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$69,963$33.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$78,590$37.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,970

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,777

Adjusted for COL (90.6)

The average annual salary of $55,970 in Michigan presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.6. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Michigan is likely greater than the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

7,390

Total Jobs

1.682

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Michigan has 0.78x 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.

A location quotient of 0.78 indicates that firefighters are present in Michigan at a rate slightly below the national average relative to the overall workforce. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Midland, MI Firefighters Salary$57,590↑ 3%26 mi
Saginaw, MI Firefighters Salary$51,060↓ 9%30 mi
Bay City, MI Firefighters Salary$47,630↓ 15%37 mi
Lansing-East Lansing, MI Firefighters Salary$51,110↓ 9%42 mi
Flint, MI Firefighters Salary$43,850↓ 22%47 mi

Comparing salaries near Michigan

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Michigan?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Michigan is $55,970. This typically ranges from $37,440 for entry-level positions to $78,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Michigan is 29.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Michigan a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Michigan offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Michigan earn a higher average salary than the national average, and the state's cost of living is below the national average, increasing purchasing power.

Is Michigan a good place to live for Firefighters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.6 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Michigan?

Some top paying nearby cities include Midland, MI ($57,590) and Saginaw, MI.

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

The average annual salary for firefighters in Michigan is $55,970, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Michigan?

Michigan has a location quotient of 0.78 for firefighters, meaning the concentration is slightly below the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.6, Michigan is more affordable than the national average, making the $55,970 salary provide a higher real income.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Michigan?

There are approximately 7,390 firefighters employed in Michigan.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,390 employees in the Michigan area with a job density of 1.682 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 Michigan