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Average Firefighters Salary in Rochester, NY

Firefighters in Rochester, NY, earn an impressive average annual salary of $79,520, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This substantial difference is often attributed to a combination of local demand, cost of living adjustments, and the specialized nature of emergency services within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $79,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,340.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 800 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.76, Rochester presents a moderately concentrated but stable job market for this profession. While not exceeding the national average concentration, the steady presence of these roles suggests consistent demand and employment opportunities within the city's emergency response infrastructure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$79,520

The average Firefighters in Rochester, NY earns+83.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$38.2

Weekly

$1,529

Monthly

$6,627

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Rochester, NY

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 and leadership roles can expect to earn considerably more, with the percentile gaps reflecting clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$53,030$25.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$59,640$28.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$88,380$42.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$99,400$47.8
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$89,340$43

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$79,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$79,520

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average firefighter salary of $79,520 in Rochester, NY, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's income in Rochester is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced financial landscape where the higher salary effectively offsets the cost of living.

Job Market Context

800

Total Jobs

1.627

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rochester, NY has 0.76x 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 0.76 indicates that Rochester, NY, has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment in this critical service sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Firefighters Salary$67,660↓ 15%65 mi
Syracuse, NY Firefighters Salary$70,380↓ 11%75 mi
Elmira, NY Firefighters Salary$61,840↓ 22%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Rochester, NY

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Rochester, NY?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Rochester, NY is $79,520. This typically ranges from $53,030 for entry-level positions to $89,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rochester, NY is 83.3% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Rochester, NY a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Rochester, NY offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.The average salary of $79,520 is substantially higher than the national average, and it is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100, ensuring strong purchasing power.

Is Rochester, NY a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Rochester, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY ($67,660) and Syracuse, NY.

How does Rochester's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Rochester, NY, earn an average of $79,520 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the Cost of Living in Rochester, NY for firefighters?

Rochester, NY, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary provides equivalent purchasing power to the national average.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Rochester, NY?

The firefighter job market in Rochester, NY, has a Location Quotient of 0.76, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Rochester, NY?

There are approximately 800 firefighters employed in Rochester, NY, contributing to the local emergency services workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the Rochester, NY area with a job density of 1.627 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 Rochester, NY