Average Firefighters Salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Firefighters in Pittsburgh, PA earn an average annual salary of $62,300, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation reflects the specialized skills, inherent risks, and critical community service provided by these essential professionals within the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,380.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 900 firefighters, Pittsburgh presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.38 indicates that while firefighters are present, the concentration is below the national average, suggesting a steady demand rather than an oversaturated field.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Pittsburgh, PA earns+43.6%above the national average.
$30
$1,198
$5,192
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Pittsburgh have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in public service compensation and inflation adjustments. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential in this vital role.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA
Salary progression for firefighters in Pittsburgh typically scales with experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and leadership responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $32,790 | $15.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $46,725 | $22.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $71,430 | $34.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $77,875 | $37.4 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $74,380 | $35.8 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $62,300 in Pittsburgh aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's income in Pittsburgh is comparable to that of a firefighter earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, offering good financial stability.
Job Market Context
900
Total Jobs
0.812
Per 1K Jobs
0.38
Location Quotient
At 0.38x, Pittsburgh, PA has a notably lower concentration of Firefighters jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.38 suggests that the market for firefighters in Pittsburgh is less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while the profession is established, there may be fewer job openings relative to the overall workforce compared to national benchmarks, indicating a potentially competitive but manageable job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Firefighters Salary | $42,990↓ 31% | 30 mi |
| Wheeling, WV-OH Firefighters Salary | $47,730↓ 23% | 45 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Firefighters Salary | $46,590↓ 25% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Pittsburgh, PA is $62,300. This typically ranges from $32,790 for entry-level positions to $74,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 43.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Pittsburgh offers a lucrative environment for Firefighters.The average salary of $62,300 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($42,990) and Wheeling, WV-OH.
How does Pittsburgh's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Pittsburgh earn an average of $62,300 annually, which is approximately $19,000 more than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Pittsburgh compared to the rest of the country?
Pittsburgh has a Location Quotient of 0.38 for firefighters, meaning the concentration of this profession is 62% lower than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Pittsburgh affect a firefighter's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Pittsburgh's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $62,300 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number indicate for firefighters in Pittsburgh?
A total local workforce of 900 firefighters suggests a significant and established presence of the profession within the city, providing a solid base for 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 900 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 0.812 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 Pittsburgh, PA