SalaryNode

Average Firefighters Salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ

Firefighters in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area earn an impressive average annual salary of $79,010. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a robust demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized training requirements within this specific metropolitan region. The localized economic factors and the critical nature of the role contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $79,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $101,980.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 individuals, the firefighter job market in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, while not exceptionally large, shows a concentration slightly below the national average (Location Quotient of 0.71). This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these essential services within the area, with 1.535 jobs per 1,000 workers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$79,010

The average Firefighters in Trenton-Princeton, NJ earns+82.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$38

Weekly

$1,519

Monthly

$6,584

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Trenton-Princeton, NJ

Salary progression for firefighters in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, is typically tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles of the $79,010 average. The gap between entry-level and senior positions reflects substantial career growth opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$45,230$21.7
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$59,258$28.5
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$88,970$42.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$98,763$47.5
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$101,980$49

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$79,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$79,010

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average firefighter salary of $79,010 in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, 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 region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses impacting disposable income.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

1.535

Per 1K Jobs

0.71

Location Quotient

Below Average

Trenton-Princeton, NJ has 0.71x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that the concentration of firefighters in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for qualified individuals without intense competition from a disproportionately large local workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Trenton-Princeton, NJ

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $79,010. This typically ranges from $45,230 for entry-level positions to $101,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 82.1% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, earn an average of $79,010, significantly higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living index at the national average, this salary offers strong purchasing power.

Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Trenton-Princeton, NJ?

Some top paying nearby cities include Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($73,680) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.

How does the Trenton-Princeton firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, is $79,010, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the cost of living in Trenton-Princeton, NJ for firefighters?

The cost of living in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, is at the national average of 100, meaning that the $79,010 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Is the firefighter job market in Trenton-Princeton, NJ competitive?

With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable, rather than intensely competitive, job market for firefighters.

How many firefighters are there in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?

The total local workforce for firefighters in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area consists of approximately 370 individuals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area with a job density of 1.535 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.