Average Firefighters Salary in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
Firefighters in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $92,290. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, reflecting the demanding nature of the role and the higher operational costs associated with serving a densely populated urban region. The elevated pay is a direct response to the complex emergency response needs and the specialized skills required in this major metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,650.
- Outlook: The New York-Newark-Jersey City area employs 15,770 firefighters, indicating a considerable local workforce dedicated to public safety. While the Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average, the sheer size of the workforce points to consistent demand and a stable job market within this critical sector.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ earns+112.7%above the national average.
$44.4
$1,775
$7,691
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for firefighters in major metropolitan areas like New York-Newark-Jersey City have seen consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing cost of living, and ongoing negotiations for better compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals in this vital public service role.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
The salary progression for firefighters in New York-Newark-Jersey City typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with years of service, specialized training, and leadership responsibilities can expect to earn considerably more. The increasing salary percentiles as one moves up the career ladder clearly signify robust opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $56,610 | $27.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $69,218 | $33.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $105,250 | $50.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $115,363 | $55.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $119,650 | $57.5 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $92,290 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, firefighters in the New York-Newark-Jersey City area experience a salary that is well-aligned with the local economic conditions. This means that the nominal salary translates effectively into purchasing power, allowing for a comfortable standard of living relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
15,770
Total Jobs
1.684
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ has 0.78x 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 0.78 indicates that while firefighters are a vital part of the New York-Newark-Jersey City workforce, their concentration is slightly below the national average. This suggests a market that is not oversaturated, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals, though the overall demand remains substantial due to the large population base.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY Firefighters Salary | $74,040↓ 20% | 44 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Firefighters Salary | $79,010↓ 14% | 52 mi |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Firefighters Salary | $79,000↓ 14% | 54 mi |
| New Haven, CT Firefighters Salary | $74,160↓ 20% | 70 mi |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT Firefighters Salary | $73,900↓ 20% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is $92,290. This typically ranges from $56,610 for entry-level positions to $119,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is 112.7% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes.Firefighters in this region earn an average of $92,290 annually, which is more than double the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this salary offers strong financial advantages.
Is New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY ($74,040) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the firefighter salary in NY-NJ compare to the national average?
The average firefighter salary in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area is $92,290, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the total number of firefighters in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area?
There are approximately 15,770 firefighters employed in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metropolitan area.
How does the concentration of firefighters in NY-NJ compare to the national average?
The Location Quotient for firefighters in this area is 0.78, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average of 1.0.
Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in NY-NJ?
The Cost of Living Index in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is 100, which is the national average. This means the high salary of $92,290 provides good purchasing power relative to the cost of living.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,770 employees in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area with a job density of 1.684 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-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ