Average Firefighters Salary in Puerto Rico
Firefighters in Puerto Rico earn an average annual salary of $37,660, which is notably below the national average of $43,380. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the cost of living, and the specific demands and funding structures for emergency services within the island territory.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,610.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,720 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.85, Puerto Rico shows a slightly lower concentration of this profession compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this concentration suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for firefighters on the island.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Puerto Rico earns-13.2%below the national average.
$18.1
$724
$3,138
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's generally assumed that firefighter salaries across the United States, including Puerto Rico, have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation adjustments, increased demand for services, and evolving labor agreements.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Puerto Rico
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior firefighters, captains, or specialists with advanced certifications can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career progression and increased responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $32,930 | $15.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,245 | $13.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $39,520 | $19 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $47,075 | $22.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $42,610 | $20.5 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,642
Adjusted for COL (95)
The average annual salary of $37,660 in Puerto Rico needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 95. This index, being slightly below the national average (100), suggests that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary might be somewhat comparable to or slightly better than the nominal difference in pay implies when compared to higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
1,720
Total Jobs
1.833
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Puerto Rico has 0.85x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.85 indicates that the proportion of firefighters in Puerto Rico's workforce is slightly less than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market, where the demand for firefighters is present but not exceptionally high relative to other professions on the island.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Firefighters Salary | $37,660- 0% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Puerto Rico
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Puerto Rico?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Puerto Rico is $37,660. This typically ranges from $32,930 for entry-level positions to $42,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Puerto Rico is 13.2% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Puerto Rico a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Firefighter salaries in Puerto Rico average $37,660, which is below the national average of $43,380. While the cost of living is also lower, the nominal salary is less competitive.
Is Puerto Rico a good place to live for Firefighters?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Puerto Rico?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR ($37,660) and others.
How does the cost of living in Puerto Rico compare to the US mainland?
Puerto Rico's Cost of Living Index is 95, meaning it is 5% cheaper than the national average. This can help offset the lower average salary compared to mainland positions.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in Puerto Rico?
There are approximately 1,720 firefighters employed in Puerto Rico, representing 1.833 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the demand for firefighters high in Puerto Rico?
The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests a demand that is slightly below the national average concentration, indicating a stable but not rapidly growing market.
How does experience affect a firefighter's salary in Puerto Rico?
Like most professions, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior firefighters with specialized skills or leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more than entry-level personnel.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,720 employees in the Puerto Rico area with a job density of 1.833 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 Puerto Rico