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Average Firefighters Salary in Rockford, IL

Firefighters in Rockford, IL earn an impressive average annual salary of $63,770, significantly higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation reflects the specialized demands and inherent risks associated with the profession, coupled with local economic factors that support a higher pay scale for essential public service roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,230.
  • Outlook: Rockford, IL presents a robust employment landscape for firefighters, with a local workforce of 360 individuals. The location quotient of 1.2 indicates a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for skilled firefighters within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,770

The average Firefighters in Rockford, IL earns+47.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.7

Weekly

$1,226

Monthly

$5,314

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL

The salary range for firefighters in Rockford, IL, like elsewhere, typically expands with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data serve as a clear indicator of career progression and the financial rewards associated with advancing through the ranks.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$31,110$15
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$47,828$23
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$78,060$37.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$79,713$38.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$89,230$42.9

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,770

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $63,770 and a cost of living index of 100 (matching the national average), firefighters in Rockford, IL experience a strong purchasing power. The nominal salary effectively translates to real-world affordability, as the cost of essential goods and services aligns with national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

360

Total Jobs

2.578

Per 1K Jobs

1.2

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.20, Rockford, IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

The location quotient of 1.2 for firefighters in Rockford, IL suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for these professionals, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in this vital public service sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Janesville-Beloit, WI Firefighters Salary$59,350↓ 7%30 mi
Madison, WI Firefighters Salary$56,450↓ 11%59 mi
Kenosha, WI Firefighters Salary$54,570↓ 14%65 mi
Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Firefighters Salary$58,130↓ 9%71 mi
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Firefighters Salary$84,130↑ 32%78 mi

Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Rockford, IL?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Rockford, IL is $63,770. This typically ranges from $31,110 for entry-level positions to $89,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 47.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Rockford, IL offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Rockford, IL earn substantially more than the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, their earnings provide strong purchasing power.

Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($59,350) and Madison, WI.

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

Firefighters in Rockford, IL earn an average of $63,770 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL for firefighters?

The cost of living in Rockford, IL is at the national average of 100, meaning that the average firefighter salary of $63,770 provides purchasing power consistent with the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Rockford, IL?

Rockford, IL has a location quotient of 1.2 for firefighters, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a stable job market.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Rockford, IL?

There are approximately 360 firefighters employed in Rockford, IL, representing a notable segment of the local workforce dedicated to public safety.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 2.578 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 Rockford, IL