Average Firefighters Salary in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Firefighters in the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $42,080. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,380, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where cost of living and local economic factors often influence compensation. The specific economic landscape and demand within this particular nonmetropolitan area shape the prevailing wage for these essential service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,910.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.77, the job market in Southeast Minnesota's nonmetropolitan area indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for firefighters within this region, supporting a consistent employment environment for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns-3.0%below the national average.
$20.2
$809
$3,507
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that firefighter salaries across nonmetropolitan areas like Southeast Minnesota have seen modest growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for emergency services, and efforts to retain skilled personnel in vital public safety roles, ensuring compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic conditions.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior firefighters, with years of dedicated service and specialized training, can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay clearly signify career progression and the value placed on accumulated expertise and leadership within the fire service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $26,510 | $12.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $31,560 | $15.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $38,480 | $18.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $52,600 | $25.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $80,910 | $38.9 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $42,080 in Southeast Minnesota's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the region, suggesting that the take-home pay is comparable in value to what a firefighter might experience in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.657
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has 0.77x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.77 for firefighters in Southeast Minnesota's nonmetropolitan area suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while firefighters are present and valued, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers where demand is steady but competition might be less intense than in highly concentrated metropolitan areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Firefighters Salary | $51,460↑ 22% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $42,080. This typically ranges from $26,510 for entry-level positions to $80,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 3.0% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $42,080 is slightly below the national average, and the Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates a lower concentration of the profession. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the salary's purchasing power stable.
Is Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($51,460) and others.
How does the firefighter salary in Southeast Minnesota compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Southeast Minnesota's nonmetropolitan area is $42,080, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Southeast Minnesota compared to the rest of the country?
The Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates that firefighters are slightly less concentrated in this nonmetropolitan area of Minnesota than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in this region?
The cost of living in Southeast Minnesota's nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (100), meaning the $42,080 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number suggest about firefighter jobs?
With a total local workforce of 250 firefighters, the number suggests a moderate presence of the profession within the region, supporting the stable demand indicated by the Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.657 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 Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area