Average Firefighters Salary in New York
Firefighters in New York earn a substantial average annual salary of $86,680, more than double the national average of $43,380. This significant pay differential is largely attributed to New York's robust economy, higher operational costs for emergency services, and the demanding nature of the role within a densely populated state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 14,730 firefighters, New York demonstrates a considerable presence in this vital profession. The location quotient of 0.72 suggests that while not as concentrated as the national average, the demand for firefighters remains steady and significant within the state's infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in New York earns+99.8%above the national average.
$41.7
$1,667
$7,223
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in New York have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing recognition of the critical services provided by these professionals.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in New York
Salary progression for firefighters in New York typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with years of service and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentile gaps reflecting substantial career advancement and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $56,220 | $27 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $65,010 | $31.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $88,380 | $42.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $108,350 | $52.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $105,270 | $50.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,289
Adjusted for COL (125.1)
The average annual salary of $86,680 in New York must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 125.1. While the nominal salary is high, the increased cost of goods and services means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat reduced compared to lower cost-of-living areas, though still likely higher than the national average.
Job Market Context
14,730
Total Jobs
1.543
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
New York 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 New York has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, rather than overly saturated, job market, where demand is consistent with the state's population and infrastructure needs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Firefighters Salary | $75,690↓ 13% | 49 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Firefighters Salary | $56,180↓ 35% | 64 mi |
| Utica-Rome, NY Firefighters Salary | $71,430↓ 18% | 66 mi |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Firefighters Salary | $72,580↓ 16% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near New York
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in New York?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in New York is $86,680. This typically ranges from $56,220 for entry-level positions to $105,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New York is 99.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is New York a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, New York offers a lucrative compensation package for firefighters.The average salary significantly surpasses the national average, reflecting the state's economic conditions and the demands of the profession. However, the higher cost of living should also be factored into overall financial well-being.
Is New York a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in New York is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New York?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($75,690) and Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA.
How does New York's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
New York firefighters earn an average of $86,680 annually, which is more than double the national average of $43,380, indicating a highly competitive salary landscape within the state.
What is the concentration of firefighters in New York?
New York has 1.543 firefighter jobs per 1,000 workers, and a location quotient of 0.72, suggesting a presence that is slightly less concentrated than the national average but still substantial.
How does the cost of living affect firefighter salaries in New York?
With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, New York is significantly more expensive than the national average. While the high salary helps offset this, the real purchasing power is impacted by these elevated living costs.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in New York?
New York employs a total of 14,730 firefighters, representing a significant workforce dedicated to public safety within 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 14,730 employees in the New York area with a job density of 1.543 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 York