Average Firefighters Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Firefighters in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area earn an average annual salary of $56,180, significantly higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and responsibilities of the role within this region, potentially influenced by local economic factors and the cost of essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,850.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 260 Firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.48, the job market in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre indicates a specialized but not overly saturated field. The presence of 1.039 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady demand for these essential professionals within the community, pointing towards a stable employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns+29.5%above the national average.
$27
$1,080
$4,682
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Firefighter salaries in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving safety standards, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and the value of the profession.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for Firefighters in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, as in most regions, is strongly tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior firefighters and those in leadership roles command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential throughout a firefighter's tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $32,180 | $15.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $42,135 | $20.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $55,780 | $26.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $70,225 | $33.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $85,850 | $41.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,180 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Firefighter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
1.039
Per 1K Jobs
0.48
Location Quotient
At 0.48x, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has a notably lower concentration of Firefighters jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.48 suggests that Firefighter roles are less concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compared to the national average. This indicates that while the profession is vital, it may not be as dominant a sector as in other areas, potentially leading to a more balanced job market with less intense competition for open positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Firefighters Salary | $75,690↑ 35% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Firefighters Salary | $66,680↑ 19% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $66,060↑ 18% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $67,370↑ 20% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $60,650↑ 8% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $56,180. This typically ranges from $32,180 for entry-level positions to $85,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 29.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Firefighters in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre earn a notably higher average salary than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($75,690) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre Firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Firefighters in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is $56,180, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the Cost of Living like for Firefighters in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have average purchasing power.
How concentrated are Firefighter jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Location Quotient for Firefighters is 0.48, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for Firefighters in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
With 1.039 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of Firefighter roles, suggesting ongoing demand within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 1.039 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA