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Average Firefighters Salary in Minnesota

Firefighters in Minnesota earn an average annual salary of $48,510, surpassing the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation in Minnesota can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific demands of the role within the state's diverse environments and the overall economic landscape that influences wage determination for essential public service positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,970.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,890 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.78, Minnesota's job market for this profession shows a moderate concentration relative to the national average. While not exceeding the national benchmark for density, the substantial workforce size indicates a consistent demand and established presence of firefighting roles within the state's employment structure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,510

The average Firefighters in Minnesota earns+11.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.3

Weekly

$933

Monthly

$4,043

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Minnesota

As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior firefighters, with years of service, specialized training, and leadership responsibilities, can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would reflect this progression from novice to veteran status.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$29,040$14
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$36,383$17.5
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$41,990$20.2
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$60,638$29.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$72,970$35.1

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,388

Adjusted for COL (94.4)

The average firefighter salary in Minnesota stands at $48,510, while the Cost of Living Index is 94.4, meaning it is 5.6% cheaper to live in Minnesota than the national average. This indicates that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power for residents, as their income stretches further in a lower-cost environment compared to the national benchmark.

Job Market Context

4,890

Total Jobs

1.675

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Minnesota 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 suggests that firefighters are slightly less concentrated in Minnesota compared to the national average. This implies that while the profession is well-established with a workforce of nearly 5,000, the job market may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for those seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Firefighters Salary$51,460↑ 6%58 mi

Comparing salaries near Minnesota

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Minnesota is $48,510. This typically ranges from $29,040 for entry-level positions to $72,970 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Minnesota is 11.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Minnesota a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Minnesota offers a competitive salary for firefighters.Firefighters in Minnesota earn above the national average salary, and coupled with a cost of living below the national average, their income provides strong purchasing power.

Is Minnesota a good place to live for Firefighters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Minnesota?

Some top paying nearby cities include Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($51,460) and others.

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

The average annual salary for firefighters in Minnesota is $48,510, which is higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Minnesota compared to the rest of the US?

Minnesota has a Location Quotient of 0.78 for firefighters, indicating a slightly lower concentration of the profession relative to the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.4, Minnesota is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $48,510 salary offers greater purchasing power for residents.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Minnesota?

There are approximately 4,890 firefighters employed in Minnesota, representing 1.675 jobs per 1,000 workers in 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 4,890 employees in the Minnesota area with a job density of 1.675 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 Minnesota