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Average Firefighters Salary in South Florida nonmetropolitan area

Firefighters in South Florida's nonmetropolitan areas earn an impressive average annual salary of $51,990, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the specialized demands and inherent risks associated with the profession, coupled with regional economic factors that support higher pay scales for essential public service roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,450.
  • Outlook: The South Florida nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a robust job market for firefighters, evidenced by a total local workforce of 550 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.94 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for fire services in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,990

The average Firefighters in South Florida nonmetropolitan area earns+19.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25

Weekly

$1,000

Monthly

$4,333

Firefighters Salary Distribution in South Florida nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for firefighters in South Florida nonmetropolitan areas typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals often reflects increased responsibility, specialized training, and years of dedicated service, signifying clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$36,550$17.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$38,993$18.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$48,090$23.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$64,988$31.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$67,450$32.4

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,990

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $51,990 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, firefighters relocating to South Florida's nonmetropolitan areas can expect their nominal earnings to translate directly to purchasing power. This means the salary offers a standard of living comparable to the national average, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

550

Total Jobs

6.331

Per 1K Jobs

2.94

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Florida nonmetropolitan area has 2.9x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.94 for firefighters in South Florida's nonmetropolitan areas is a strong indicator of a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for firefighters in this region is nearly three times greater than the national average relative to the overall workforce, making it a particularly favorable environment for those seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near South Florida nonmetropolitan area

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in South Florida nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in South Florida nonmetropolitan area is $51,990. This typically ranges from $36,550 for entry-level positions to $67,450 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Florida nonmetropolitan area is 19.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is South Florida nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn substantially more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is South Florida nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in South Florida nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Florida nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sebring, FL ($47,680) and Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL.

How does the number of local firefighters compare to the national average?

With 6.331 jobs per 1,000 workers, the South Florida nonmetropolitan area has a significantly higher concentration of firefighters compared to the national average.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for firefighters in this area?

An LQ of 2.94 means that firefighters are employed in this region at a rate nearly three times higher than the national average, indicating a strong regional demand for the profession.

Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in South Florida nonmetropolitan areas?

No, the cost of living index is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $51,990 salary provides a standard purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does the total local workforce number imply for firefighter jobs?

A total local workforce of 550 firefighters suggests a substantial and established presence of the profession within the South Florida nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the South Florida nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.331 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.