Average Firefighters Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Firefighters in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area earn an average annual salary of $37,390. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,380, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,560.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 850 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the New Orleans-Metairie job market shows a concentration slightly below the national average. This indicates a stable, though not exceptionally concentrated, demand for firefighting professionals in the area, suggesting a steady but not rapidly expanding job market.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-13.8%below the national average.
$18
$719
$3,116
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that firefighter salaries across the nation have experienced consistent, modest growth over the past four years, driven by increased demand for public safety services and evolving compensation standards. This trend is likely reflected to some degree in the New Orleans-Metairie area, though local economic conditions may influence the pace of this growth.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Career progression for firefighters in New Orleans-Metairie, as elsewhere, typically involves salary increases tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory roles can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential throughout a firefighter's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $22,250 | $10.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,043 | $13.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $33,870 | $16.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $46,738 | $22.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $55,560 | $26.7 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $37,390 in New Orleans-Metairie aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating that the local cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage when compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
850
Total Jobs
1.932
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
New Orleans-Metairie, LA has 0.90x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.9 for firefighters in New Orleans-Metairie suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This implies that while the job market is stable, it may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Firefighters Salary | $38,740↑ 4% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Firefighters Salary | $29,530↓ 21% | 44 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Firefighters Salary | $43,030↑ 15% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Firefighters Salary | $35,350↓ 5% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Firefighters Salary | $38,590↑ 3% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $37,390. This typically ranges from $22,250 for entry-level positions to $55,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 13.8% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average firefighter salary of $37,390 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is at the national average, the compensation does not offer a significant financial advantage.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($38,740) and Hammond, LA.
How does the firefighter salary in New Orleans-Metairie compare to the national average?
The average firefighter salary in New Orleans-Metairie is $37,390, which is lower than the national average of $43,380.
What is the total number of firefighters in New Orleans-Metairie?
There are approximately 850 firefighters employed in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area.
Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in New Orleans-Metairie?
The cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie is at the national average (100), meaning the $37,390 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without significant local inflation or deflation impacting it.
Is the demand for firefighters high in New Orleans-Metairie?
With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the demand is slightly below the national average concentration, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for firefighters in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 1.932 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 Orleans-Metairie, LA