Average Firefighters Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Firefighters in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an impressive average annual salary of $55,010, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation reflects the specialized demands and critical nature of the role within this specific metropolitan region, likely influenced by local economic factors and the cost of essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,270.
- Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha area supports a robust workforce of 2,010 firefighters, indicating a substantial local presence in this essential service sector. With a Location Quotient of 1.14, the concentration of firefighter jobs is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a stable job market for these dedicated professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns+26.8%above the national average.
$26.5
$1,058
$4,584
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Milwaukee-Waukesha have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages for essential public service roles. This upward trajectory is often driven by factors such as inflation, evolving training requirements, and the increasing complexity of emergency response.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions often start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with years of service, specialized certifications, and leadership responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior firefighter salaries in Milwaukee-Waukesha signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $35,570 | $17.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $41,258 | $19.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $49,210 | $23.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $68,763 | $33.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $81,270 | $39.1 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a local Cost of Living Index matching the national average of 100, the nominal average salary of $55,010 for firefighters in Milwaukee-Waukesha offers strong purchasing power. This means that the earnings in this region provide a standard of living equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for those in this profession.
Job Market Context
2,010
Total Jobs
2.451
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.14 for firefighters in Milwaukee-Waukesha indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where demand is present, and opportunities may be more abundant than in areas with a lower quotient, potentially leading to more consistent hiring and career stability.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Firefighters Salary | $58,130↑ 6% | 25 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Firefighters Salary | $54,570↓ 1% | 33 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Firefighters Salary | $41,810↓ 24% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Firefighters Salary | $59,350↑ 8% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $55,010. This typically ranges from $35,570 for entry-level positions to $81,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 26.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is a lucrative place for firefighters.Firefighters in this area earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong real wages.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($58,130) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Milwaukee-Waukesha firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Milwaukee-Waukesha earn an average of $55,010 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Milwaukee-Waukesha compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 1.14 suggests that firefighter jobs are slightly more concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha than the national average, indicating a healthy local demand.
Does the cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha affect firefighter salaries?
The cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $55,010 salary offers standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
How many firefighters are employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha area?
There are approximately 2,010 firefighters employed within the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI 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 2,010 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 2.451 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI