Average Firefighters Salary in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Firefighters in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $58,590, substantially exceeding the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the region's specific demand for essential services and the specialized nature of firefighting roles, which often require extensive training and carry significant responsibility.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,460.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 500 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 1.8, the job market in Northwest Illinois demonstrates a robust demand for these professionals. The concentration significantly above the national average suggests that this region values and actively employs a higher proportion of firefighters relative to its overall workforce, indicating a stable and potentially growing employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns+35.1%above the national average.
$28.2
$1,127
$4,883
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Northwest Illinois have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in public safety and essential services. Factors such as inflation, increased training requirements, and evolving emergency response needs likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these dedicated professionals.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for firefighters in Northwest Illinois typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications, leadership roles, or specialized unit experience can expect significantly higher earnings. The widening salary gap across different experience levels, often seen in percentile data, clearly signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $31,190 | $15 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $43,943 | $21.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $58,930 | $28.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $73,238 | $35.2 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $96,460 | $46.4 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,590 in Northwest Illinois aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
3.889
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.8 for firefighters in Northwest Illinois indicates a market where these professionals are in higher demand than the national average. This concentration suggests a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates, potentially leading to better compensation and benefits for firefighters within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Firefighters Salary | $61,600↑ 5% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Firefighters Salary | $64,590↑ 10% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Firefighters Salary | $60,860↑ 4% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Firefighters Salary | $62,640↑ 7% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Firefighters Salary | $61,510↑ 5% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $58,590. This typically ranges from $31,190 for entry-level positions to $96,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 35.1% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative area for firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn significantly more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($61,600) and Decatur, IL.
How does the number of firefighters in Northwest Illinois compare to the national average?
With 500 local firefighters and a Location Quotient of 1.8, Northwest Illinois has a higher concentration of firefighters relative to its workforce compared to the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for firefighters in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.8 means that firefighters are 80% more concentrated in Northwest Illinois than in the average U.S. location, signaling higher local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Northwest Illinois?
No, the cost of living index is 100, meaning it is exactly the national average. Therefore, the $58,590 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
What does the total local workforce number imply for firefighter jobs?
A total local workforce of 500 firefighters suggests a substantial presence of the profession within the region, contributing to the overall demand and employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.889 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 Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area