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Average Firefighters Salary in Tucson, AZ

Firefighters in Tucson, AZ earn an average annual salary of $49,340, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation likely reflects the specific demands and operational costs associated with emergency services within the Tucson metropolitan area, potentially including factors like regional hazard pay or specialized training requirements.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,980.
  • Outlook: Tucson's firefighter job market appears stable, with a local workforce of 760 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests a concentration of firefighters that is slightly below the national average, indicating a balanced but not over-saturated market. With 1.974 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is consistent with the available talent pool.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,340

The average Firefighters in Tucson, AZ earns+13.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.7

Weekly

$949

Monthly

$4,112

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ

Salary progression for firefighters in Tucson is significantly influenced by experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive training, certifications, and leadership roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fire service.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,930$17.3
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$37,005$17.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$48,530$23.3
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$61,675$29.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$59,980$28.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average firefighter salary of $49,340 in Tucson aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Tucson firefighter's salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

760

Total Jobs

1.974

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Tucson, AZ has 0.92x 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 0.92 indicates that Tucson has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market is not overly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals. It implies a healthy demand that aligns closely with the national employment landscape for this critical service.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Firefighters Salary$55,870↑ 13%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Tucson, AZ

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Tucson, AZ?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Tucson, AZ is $49,340. This typically ranges from $35,930 for entry-level positions to $59,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tucson, AZ is 13.7% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Tucson, AZ a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Tucson offers competitive compensation for firefighters.Firefighters in Tucson earn an average of $49,340 annually, exceeding the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this salary provides strong purchasing power.

Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Tucson, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tucson, AZ?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ ($55,870) and others.

How does Tucson's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Tucson, AZ, earn an average of $49,340 per year, which is $5,960 more than the national average of $43,380.

What is the Cost of Living in Tucson, AZ for firefighters?

Tucson has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the average salary of $49,340 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national median.

Is the firefighter job market in Tucson competitive?

With a Location Quotient of 0.92, Tucson's firefighter market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market with steady demand.

How many firefighters are employed in Tucson, AZ?

There are approximately 760 firefighters employed in Tucson, AZ, representing 1.974 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the Tucson, AZ area with a job density of 1.974 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tucson, AZ