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Average Firefighters Salary in Reading, PA

Firefighters in Reading, PA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $57,990, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation in Reading is likely influenced by a combination of local demand, operational costs, and the specific responsibilities inherent in the role within this community.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,100.
  • Outlook: The firefighter job market in Reading, PA, shows a steady presence with a total local workforce of 210 individuals. While the Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average, the 1.208 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent, albeit not overwhelmingly high, demand for these essential services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,990

The average Firefighters in Reading, PA earns+33.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.9

Weekly

$1,115

Monthly

$4,833

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Reading, PA

Salary progression for firefighters in Reading, PA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can expect to earn significantly more. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$33,390$16.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$43,493$20.9
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$61,660$29.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$72,488$34.8
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$77,100$37.1

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,990

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $57,990 in Reading, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, indicating a balanced financial landscape for firefighters residing in the area.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

1.208

Per 1K Jobs

0.56

Location Quotient

Below Average

Reading, PA 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 firefighter job market in Reading, PA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable demand for firefighters, the competition might be less intense compared to areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering a more favorable environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Lebanon, PA Firefighters Salary$56,810↓ 2%26 mi
Lancaster, PA Firefighters Salary$56,300↓ 3%29 mi
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Firefighters Salary$66,680↑ 15%30 mi
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Firefighters Salary$73,680↑ 27%48 mi
York-Hanover, PA Firefighters Salary$63,760↑ 10%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Reading, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Reading, PA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Reading, PA is $57,990. This typically ranges from $33,390 for entry-level positions to $77,100 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 33.7% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Reading, PA offers a competitive salary for Firefighters.The average salary of $57,990 significantly surpasses the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, making it financially attractive.

Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($56,810) and Lancaster, PA.

How does the Reading, PA firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Reading, PA, earn an average of $57,990 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the Cost of Living in Reading, PA for firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the local expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Reading, PA?

The firefighter job market in Reading, PA, has a Location Quotient of 0.56, meaning it is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting potentially fewer firefighters per capita relative to other regions.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Reading, PA?

There are approximately 210 firefighters employed within the Reading, PA, local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 1.208 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Reading, PA