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Average Firefighters Salary in New Jersey

Firefighters in New Jersey earn a substantial average annual salary of $87,710, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's higher cost of living and the critical nature of the firefighting profession, demanding specialized skills and significant risk.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,710 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $124,980.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,590 firefighters, New Jersey demonstrates a solid presence in this essential service sector. The location quotient of 0.72 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a stable and established job market for these vital emergency responders.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,710

The average Firefighters in New Jersey earns+102.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$42.2

Weekly

$1,687

Monthly

$7,309

Firefighters Salary Distribution in New Jersey

Salary progression for firefighters in New Jersey typically scales with experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training, specialized certifications, and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$47,090$22.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$65,783$31.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$87,660$42.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$109,638$52.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$124,980$60.1

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,710

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$78,034

Adjusted for COL (112.4)

The average annual salary of $87,710 in New Jersey presents a mixed picture when considering the state's cost of living index of 112.4. While the nominal salary is robust, the higher cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

6,590

Total Jobs

1.551

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

New Jersey has 0.72x 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 0.72 indicates that firefighters are employed in New Jersey at a rate slightly lower than the national average relative to the overall workforce. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Trenton-Princeton, NJ Firefighters Salary$79,010↓ 10%14 mi
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Firefighters Salary$92,290↑ 5%39 mi
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Firefighters Salary$73,680↓ 16%42 mi
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Firefighters Salary$66,680↓ 24%54 mi
Vineland, NJ Firefighters Salary$60,200↓ 31%63 mi

Comparing salaries near New Jersey

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in New Jersey?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in New Jersey is $87,710. This typically ranges from $47,090 for entry-level positions to $124,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 102.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, New Jersey is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in New Jersey earn an average salary nearly double the national average. Despite a higher cost of living, the substantial salary offers strong earning potential within the profession.

Is New Jersey a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?

Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($79,010) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ.

How does the New Jersey firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in New Jersey is $87,710, which is more than double the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in New Jersey compared to the rest of the country?

New Jersey has a location quotient of 0.72 for firefighters, meaning the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average.

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

With a cost of living index of 112.4, New Jersey is more expensive than the national average. While the firefighter salary is high, the increased cost of living should be factored into the overall financial picture.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in New Jersey?

There are approximately 6,590 firefighters employed in New Jersey, indicating a significant presence in the state's emergency services.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,590 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 1.551 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 New Jersey