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Average Firefighters Salary in Oregon

Firefighters in Oregon earn an impressive average annual salary of $71,930, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's specific demands for emergency services, potentially including unique environmental challenges and a robust public safety infrastructure that necessitates higher pay to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $71,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,920.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,660 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.86, Oregon presents a stable, albeit slightly below national average in terms of concentration, job market for this profession. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 1.86 indicates a consistent need for these essential services, suggesting a resilient demand that supports current employment levels.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$71,930

The average Firefighters in Oregon earns+65.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.6

Weekly

$1,383

Monthly

$5,994

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Oregon

Salary progression for firefighters in Oregon, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,010$16.8
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$53,948$25.9
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$73,270$35.2
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$89,913$43.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$102,920$49.5

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$71,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$62,493

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the average firefighter salary in Oregon stands at $71,930, the state's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 (meaning it's 15.1% more expensive than the national average) requires careful consideration. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of that income is somewhat diminished by the increased cost of goods and services, particularly housing.

Job Market Context

3,660

Total Jobs

1.86

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Oregon has 0.86x 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.

Oregon's Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests that the concentration of firefighters is slightly lower than the national average. This could indicate a less saturated market compared to some other states, potentially offering more opportunities for those entering the field or seeking career advancement, though it doesn't necessarily imply a shortage.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Albany, OR Firefighters Salary$64,910↓ 10%51 mi
Bend, OR Firefighters Salary$64,210↓ 11%52 mi
Salem, OR Firefighters Salary$61,840↓ 14%53 mi
Corvallis, OR Firefighters Salary$74,610↑ 4%59 mi
Eugene-Springfield, OR Firefighters Salary$68,570↓ 5%63 mi

Comparing salaries near Oregon

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Oregon?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Oregon is $71,930. This typically ranges from $35,010 for entry-level positions to $102,920 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Oregon is 65.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Oregon a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Oregon offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.The average salary of $71,930 significantly exceeds the national average, providing a strong baseline income. However, the higher cost of living must be factored into the overall financial picture.

Is Oregon a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Oregon is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Oregon?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($64,910) and Bend, OR.

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

Firefighters in Oregon earn an average of $71,930 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the cost of living in Oregon relative to the rest of the US?

Oregon has a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, indicating that it is approximately 15.1% more expensive to live in Oregon than the national average.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Oregon?

Oregon's Location Quotient for firefighters is 0.86, suggesting a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

How many firefighter jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Oregon?

In Oregon, there are approximately 1.86 firefighter jobs for every 1,000 workers in the general labor force.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,660 employees in the Oregon area with a job density of 1.86 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 Oregon