SalaryNode

Average Firefighters Salary in New Mexico

Firefighters in New Mexico earn an average annual salary of $44,110, which is slightly higher than the national average of $43,380. This favorable compensation can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific demands of the role within the state and the overall economic landscape that influences pay scales for essential public service positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,110 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,580.
  • Outlook: New Mexico's firefighter job market appears robust, supporting a local workforce of 2,200 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 19% higher than the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a significant presence of firefighting careers within the state's employment structure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,110

The average Firefighters in New Mexico earns+1.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.2

Weekly

$848

Monthly

$3,676

Firefighters Salary Distribution in New Mexico

As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior firefighters, with years of dedicated service and specialized training, can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect this career progression, with higher percentiles representing the compensation of more experienced and skilled individuals.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$31,200$15
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$33,083$15.9
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$42,920$20.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$55,138$26.5
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$59,580$28.6

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,110

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,230

Adjusted for COL (89.6)

The average firefighter salary of $44,110 in New Mexico presents a strong purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.6. This index is nearly 10.4% lower than the national average, meaning that the nominal salary earned by firefighters in New Mexico can often translate into a higher real income and a better quality of life compared to areas with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

2,200

Total Jobs

2.559

Per 1K Jobs

1.19

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.19, New Mexico has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.19, New Mexico exhibits a higher concentration of firefighter jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market for firefighters in the state is not only stable but potentially more abundant than in many other regions, offering good opportunities for those seeking employment or career advancement in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Albuquerque, NM Firefighters Salary$44,510↑ 1%29 mi
Santa Fe, NM Firefighters Salary$53,750↑ 22%59 mi

Comparing salaries near New Mexico

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in New Mexico?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in New Mexico is $44,110. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $59,580 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Mexico is 1.7% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is New Mexico a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, New Mexico offers a competitive environment for firefighters.Firefighters in New Mexico earn slightly above the national average salary, and the state's lower cost of living further enhances the value of their earnings.

Is New Mexico a good place to live for Firefighters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.6 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near New Mexico?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($44,510) and Santa Fe, NM.

What is the average salary for a firefighter in New Mexico?

The average annual salary for a firefighter in New Mexico is $44,110.

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

New Mexico firefighters earn approximately $730 more per year on average compared to the national average salary.

Is the job market for firefighters strong in New Mexico?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates a higher concentration of firefighter jobs in New Mexico than the national average, suggesting a robust market.

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

With a cost of living index of 89.6, which is below the national average, a firefighter's salary in New Mexico generally provides greater purchasing power.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,200 employees in the New Mexico area with a job density of 2.559 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 Mexico