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Average Firefighters Salary in Salem, OR

Firefighters in Salem, OR, earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,840, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation reflects the specific demands and responsibilities inherent to the role within the Salem metropolitan area, potentially influenced by local economic factors and the cost of essential services.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,840 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,940.
  • Outlook: Salem, OR, supports a dedicated workforce of 300 firefighters. The location quotient of 0.76 suggests that while the concentration of firefighters is slightly below the national average, the presence of 1.628 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a stable and consistent demand for these essential professionals within the local job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,840

The average Firefighters in Salem, OR earns+42.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.7

Weekly

$1,189

Monthly

$5,153

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Salem, OR

Salary progression for firefighters in Salem, OR, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and years of service can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise and leadership within the fire department.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$45,910$22.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$46,380$22.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$61,650$29.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$77,300$37.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$73,940$35.5

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,840

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,840

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $61,840 in Salem, OR, 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 Salem is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

1.628

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

Salem, OR 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.

With a location quotient of 0.76, Salem, OR, has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals. However, it also indicates that the demand, while present, is not exceptionally high relative to other professions nationwide.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Albany, OR Firefighters Salary$64,910↑ 5%21 mi
Corvallis, OR Firefighters Salary$74,610↑ 21%27 mi
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Firefighters Salary$87,180↑ 41%44 mi
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$58,590↓ 5%53 mi
Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$51,420↓ 17%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Salem, OR

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Salem, OR is $61,840. This typically ranges from $45,910 for entry-level positions to $73,940 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 42.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it offers above-average pay.Firefighters in Salem, OR, earn an average of $61,840 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living index at the national average, this salary provides strong purchasing power.

Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($64,910) and Corvallis, OR.

What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Salem, OR?

The average annual salary for a Firefighter in Salem, OR is $61,840.

How does Salem, OR's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Salem, OR, earn approximately $18,460 more per year than the national average salary of $43,380.

What is the cost of living in Salem, OR?

The cost of living in Salem, OR, is at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Salem, OR?

The firefighter job market in Salem, OR, has a location quotient of 0.76, meaning it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 1.628 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 Salem, OR