Average Firefighters Salary in New Hampshire
Firefighters in New Hampshire earn an impressive average annual salary of $55,800, substantially exceeding the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's specific demands, operational costs, and the critical nature of emergency services within its communities. The specialized skills and dedication required for this role are clearly valued in the Granite State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,770.
- Outlook: New Hampshire boasts a dedicated workforce of 2,880 firefighters, with a Location Quotient of 1.95, indicating a concentration nearly double the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled fire suppression professionals within the state, signaling a stable job market for those in the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in New Hampshire earns+28.6%above the national average.
$26.8
$1,073
$4,650
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in New Hampshire have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased training requirements, and evolving emergency response protocols likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these essential workers.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in New Hampshire
The salary progression for firefighters in New Hampshire typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and leadership roles can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior percentile salaries reflects clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $34,770 | $16.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $41,850 | $20.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $57,030 | $27.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $69,750 | $33.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $83,770 | $40.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,270
Adjusted for COL (115.6)
While the average firefighter salary in New Hampshire is $55,800, the state's Cost of Living Index stands at 115.6, meaning it is 15.6% more expensive than the national average. This suggests that while the nominal salary is attractive, the purchasing power of that income will be somewhat diminished compared to living in a more affordable region.
Job Market Context
2,880
Total Jobs
4.212
Per 1K Jobs
1.95
Location Quotient
New Hampshire has 1.9x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.95, New Hampshire exhibits a significantly higher concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, where demand may be strong, but the pool of qualified professionals is also proportionally larger, indicating a healthy but established job landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Firefighters Salary | $63,440↑ 14% | 33 mi |
| Portland-South Portland, ME Firefighters Salary | $49,250↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $44,750↓ 20% | 70 mi |
| Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $50,390↓ 10% | 70 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Firefighters Salary | $74,810↑ 34% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Hampshire
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in New Hampshire is $55,800. This typically ranges from $34,770 for entry-level positions to $83,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Hampshire is 28.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is New Hampshire a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, with caveats.New Hampshire offers a higher average salary for firefighters than the national average, but the cost of living is also notably higher, impacting overall financial well-being.
Is New Hampshire a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in New Hampshire is 115.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Hampshire?
Some top paying nearby cities include Manchester-Nashua, NH ($63,440) and Portland-South Portland, ME.
How does New Hampshire's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in New Hampshire earn an average of $55,800 annually, which is approximately $12,420 more than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has a Location Quotient of 1.95 for firefighters, meaning the profession is nearly twice as concentrated there compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect a firefighter's salary in New Hampshire?
The cost of living in New Hampshire is 15.6% higher than the national average, meaning the $55,800 salary will have less purchasing power than it would in a more affordable state.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in New Hampshire?
There are approximately 2,880 firefighters employed within New Hampshire.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,880 employees in the New Hampshire area with a job density of 4.212 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 New Hampshire