Average Firefighters Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Firefighters in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an impressive average annual salary of $49,250. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized training requirements that influence compensation in this region. The robust pay reflects the critical role these professionals play in community safety.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,040.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 1,340 firefighters. With a Location Quotient of 2.19, this region exhibits a concentration of these roles nearly 2.2 times the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market for firefighting professionals. The density of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significant presence and demand for this essential service within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+13.5%above the national average.
$23.7
$947
$4,104
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Portland-South Portland, ME have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and evolving training standards likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these vital public servants.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
The career path for firefighters typically involves significant salary progression based on 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 considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the firefighting profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $34,870 | $16.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $36,938 | $17.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $47,490 | $22.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $61,563 | $29.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $63,040 | $30.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Portland-South Portland, ME, the firefighter salary of $49,250 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 area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,340
Total Jobs
4.712
Per 1K Jobs
2.19
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 2.2x 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 2.19 for firefighters in Portland-South Portland, ME, strongly indicates a market with a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive job market where demand for skilled firefighters is notably elevated, offering ample opportunities for those entering or advancing in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Firefighters Salary | $54,540↑ 11% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $53,970↑ 10% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $47,040↓ 4% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $46,190↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Firefighters Salary | $63,440↑ 29% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Portland-South Portland, ME is $49,250. This typically ranges from $34,870 for entry-level positions to $63,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 13.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for firefighters.Firefighters in Portland-South Portland, ME earn significantly above the national average salary, and the local cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing their purchasing power.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($54,540) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Portland-South Portland, ME is $49,250, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.19, meaning there are more than twice the number of firefighters per worker compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect a firefighter's salary in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $49,250 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about firefighter jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME?
With a local workforce of 1,340 firefighters, the market is substantial, and combined with the high Location Quotient, it indicates strong and consistent demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 4.712 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Firefighters Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME
- All Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Management Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Browse All Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME