Average Firefighters Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Firefighters in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $61,340, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation is often driven by the specific demands and responsibilities inherent to the role within this metropolitan region, alongside local economic factors that influence pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,830.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,820 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.91, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area demonstrates a robust and stable job market for this profession. The concentration is nearly on par with the national average, indicating consistent demand and a healthy number of available positions relative to the overall workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns+41.4%above the national average.
$29.5
$1,180
$5,112
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and evolving training requirements likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Salary progression for firefighters in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater 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, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $41,270 | $19.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $46,005 | $22.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $60,360 | $29 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $76,675 | $36.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $79,830 | $38.4 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,340 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher pay effectively compensates for the cost of living in the area.
Job Market Context
2,820
Total Jobs
1.953
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has 0.91x 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 0.91 for firefighters in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater indicates that the concentration of this profession is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, it is not overly saturated, potentially offering a competitive but accessible environment for skilled professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Firefighters Salary | $52,200↓ 15% | 32 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $46,520↓ 24% | 49 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $51,990↓ 15% | 49 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Firefighters Salary | $50,200↓ 18% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $61,340. This typically ranges from $41,270 for entry-level positions to $79,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 41.4% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a financially competitive place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn substantially more than the national average, and their salary keeps pace with the national average cost of living.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($52,200) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The average annual salary for a Firefighter in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area is $61,340.
How does the Tampa firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $61,340 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the Cost of Living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The Cost of Living Index for Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100, which is equivalent to the national average.
How many Firefighters are there in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area?
There are approximately 2,820 Firefighters employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,820 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 1.953 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL