Average Firefighters Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Firefighters in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $60,870. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a localized premium for this essential service. Factors such as regional demand, operational costs, and the specific responsibilities inherent to the role within this jurisdiction likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,970.
- Outlook: The St. Louis firefighter job market demonstrates a stable presence, with a local workforce of 2,790 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.97 suggests that firefighter employment in this area is nearly on par with the national average concentration, indicating a consistent and steady demand for these services. With 2.082 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market is neither oversaturated nor critically undersupplied, pointing to a robust and sustainable employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+40.3%above the national average.
$29.3
$1,171
$5,073
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in St. Louis, like most professions, have experienced a gradual upward trend. This growth is typically driven by inflation, evolving labor market dynamics, and potentially increased demand for emergency services, leading to a consistent, albeit modest, increase in average annual earnings over time.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
The salary progression for firefighters in St. Louis, MO-IL typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training, certifications, and leadership roles can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would reflect this career trajectory, with senior firefighters occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $33,540 | $16.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $45,653 | $21.9 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $59,880 | $28.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $76,088 | $36.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $94,970 | $45.7 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,870 for firefighters in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in St. Louis is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for relocation.
Job Market Context
2,790
Total Jobs
2.082
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.97x 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 0.97, the St. Louis, MO-IL market for firefighters is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of firefighters is neither disproportionately high nor low compared to other regions. It implies a competitive yet accessible environment for both aspiring and established professionals in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Firefighters Salary | $61,510↑ 1% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in St. Louis, MO-IL is $60,870. This typically ranges from $33,540 for entry-level positions to $94,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 40.3% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, with a caveat.Firefighters in St. Louis earn significantly more than the national average, but this is offset by a cost of living that is also at the national average.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($61,510) and others.
How does the St. Louis firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in St. Louis, MO-IL is $60,870, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in St. Louis compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of firefighters in St. Louis is nearly identical to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for the profession.
Does the cost of living in St. Louis affect the firefighter salary?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $60,870 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many firefighters are employed in the St. Louis area?
There are approximately 2,790 firefighters employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area, representing 2.082 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,790 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 2.082 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 St. Louis, MO-IL