Average Firefighters Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Firefighters in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $87,180, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the specialized skills, demanding physical conditions, and critical public safety role inherent to the profession within this specific region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,740.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,670 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.64, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area demonstrates a slightly below-average concentration of these professionals compared to the national landscape. While not indicating an oversupply, this suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for firefighting services in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+101.0%above the national average.
$41.9
$1,677
$7,265
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for public safety services, and evolving training requirements likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these essential workers.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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 gap between entry-level and senior firefighter salaries often signifies substantial career advancement and increased responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $58,330 | $28 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $65,385 | $31.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $85,300 | $41 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $108,975 | $52.4 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $110,740 | $53.2 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $87,180 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, 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 comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively balances the cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,670
Total Jobs
1.38
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.64x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately represented, implying a potentially balanced job market where demand is met by the available workforce without significant oversupply or scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Firefighters Salary | $61,840↓ 29% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Firefighters Salary | $86,930↓ 0% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Firefighters Salary | $64,910↓ 26% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Firefighters Salary | $74,610↓ 14% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $58,590↓ 33% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $87,180. This typically ranges from $58,330 for entry-level positions to $110,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 101.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.The average salary of $87,180 is nearly double the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($61,840) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earn an average of $87,180 annually, which is more than double the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.64, meaning there are fewer firefighters per capita in this area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Portland?
No, the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is exactly at the national average (100), so the higher salary translates directly to comparable purchasing power.
How many firefighters are employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area?
There are approximately 1,670 firefighters employed within the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,670 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 1.38 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA