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Average Firefighters Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Firefighters in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area earn a robust average annual salary of $73,680. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $43,380, indicating a distinct regional demand and compensation structure for this vital profession. The elevated pay in this area can be attributed to a combination of factors including the cost of living, specific regional needs, and the complexity of emergency services in a densely populated urban and suburban environment.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $73,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,240.
  • Outlook: The local job market for firefighters in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD appears stable, with a total workforce of 3,440 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests that while the concentration of firefighters is below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a consistent need for these services. This suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for firefighting personnel within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$73,680

The average Firefighters in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+69.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.4

Weekly

$1,417

Monthly

$6,140

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Career progression for firefighters in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized training, and leadership roles can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, would signify this clear career trajectory from novice to senior firefighter.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$43,530$20.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$55,260$26.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$78,980$38
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$92,100$44.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$90,240$43.4

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$73,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$73,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $73,680 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by firefighters in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to this area as a firefighter would likely result in a lifestyle comparable to the national median, without significant financial strain due to cost of living adjustments.

Job Market Context

3,440

Total Jobs

1.198

Per 1K Jobs

0.56

Location Quotient

Below Average

Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has 0.56x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.56, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area has a lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market might be less saturated than in other regions, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified individuals relative to the number of available positions. However, the absolute workforce size of 3,440 indicates a substantial and ongoing need for these professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Trenton-Princeton, NJ Firefighters Salary$79,010↑ 7%28 mi
Vineland, NJ Firefighters Salary$60,200↓ 18%35 mi
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Firefighters Salary$66,680↓ 10%47 mi
Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$45,640↓ 38%47 mi
Reading, PA Firefighters Salary$57,990↓ 21%48 mi

Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $73,680. This typically ranges from $43,530 for entry-level positions to $90,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 69.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn a significantly higher average salary ($73,680) than the national average ($43,380), while the cost of living remains at the national average (100).

Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?

Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($79,010) and Vineland, NJ.

How does the firefighter salary in Philadelphia compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $73,680, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the cost of living in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD for firefighters?

The cost of living in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.

How many firefighters are employed in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area?

There are approximately 3,440 firefighters employed in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area.

Is the firefighter job market concentrated in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?

No, the job market for firefighters in this region is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.56, indicating fewer firefighters per capita relative to the rest of the country.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,440 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 1.198 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD